DAVIS, Calif. — The people who make Northern California Strong are those who inspire us and make our communities a great place to live. ABC10 wants to highlight their strength by recognizing what they do. This week we want to introduce you to Terry Zimmer founder of iDream The Mac Giveback Project.
From his home in Davis, Trey Zimmer rebuilds and refurbishes old Macintosh computers and gives them to those who need them.
“Foster kids, kids with developmental needs, kids going to school,” explained Zimmer, who started giving away computers 15 years ago.
Now retired, he turned iDream into a non-profit with a team of volunteers who don’t just give away computers, they also teach recipients to use them.
“We want to make sure they know how to use it, they will use it and we even give a warranty,” says Zimmer.
Around 200 families have received computers that Zimmer repaired.
Many recipients are students like Zahira Elmansoumi. She is a Mentor with the AmeriCorps foster program in Yolo County. A few years ago, when Elmansoumi was going through college, a MacBook was financially out of her reach.
“I am currently a foster youth, so I don’t get as much support as my peers do,” explained Elmansoumi.
The program helped her so much that she gave back the computer after she graduated.
“For as much as I think I am doing. I know I can do more because he always does,” said Elmansoumi.
There is no financial background check. To apply for a computer all Zimmer askes for is a short essay. iDream relies on computer donations to operate. If you have an unused Macintosh computer that you would like to donate contact fill out an application at the iDream website.
Terry Zimmer is NorCal Strong. If you want to nominate a strong Northern Californian send a text (916) 321-3310 and put NorCal Strong in the text. Feel free to send pictures and or web links in the submission.
