Computers For Kids (C4K) Project

Here’s How It Works

Thank you for your interest in the Computers for Kids Program, a Service Project of the Reno Cigar Lion’s Club. We provide Linux-based PCs for K-12 students as well as college students, up to their Bachelor's Degree, in Washoe County who do not currently have a computer in their household.

We provide refurbished PCs only.  If you are looking for an Apple computer, an iPad, or a Windows PC, we will not be able to help you. We’ve been promoting open-source Linux for students since our founding in 2010, because the Linux operating system is more secure, simple, and economical than the commercial alternatives.

We distribute computers once a month, to eligible students, on the 3rd Saturday of every month in Reno. If you qualify, please use the contact information below to request a computer.

1. Contact
Text: 775-453-0307
Email: RenoCigarLions@gmail.com
Or Messenger

2. Please be advised the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for computers, and there may be a waiting list.

3. We typically respond to requests within 48 hours.

Reno Cigar Lions Welcomes Your Help

We have processed thousands of donated computers since our founding. All without any paid employees, staff, or executives. We are able to do this with generous donations of time, money, and equipment from people like you.

1. If you can volunteer to help or consider membership, we’d like to speak with you. We need both technical and non-technical adult volunteers. We would love to teach you as much as you wish to learn about the Linux operating system and other technical matters.

2. If you can donate computers or cash (no amount is too big or is too small), please contact us.

3. This is the kind of working equipment we can accept:

PCs or lap tops in working condition, even if they are currently running Microsoft Windows. We will remove the data, Microsoft Windows, and all the applications.

The computers need to be running 64-Bit Processors by Intel or AMD. That would include Intel Core2, i3, i5, and i7. We can also use the AMD Athlon series of processors.

How do you know what kind of processor your computer has? Do an online search, and enter the make and model number of the computer, and then type: 64-bit or 32-bit . You will get postings that will describe the processor type and if its a 64-bit or 32-bit computer. We can only load and distribute computers with 64-bit processors.

We are also in need of working USB computer keyboards (non-Mac), USB computer mice, standard PC computer power cables and VGA monitor cables and flat screen monitors. If you are unsure what those look like, do a search online for each of these terms, and choose the - Images - option, once the results of your search come up.

The Reno Cigar Lions now has a robust E-Waste program.

The only equipment we do not accept:

1. CRT monitors (the big old computer monitors you see on 1990’s TV shows)
2. Televisions of any type.

Reno Cigar Lions Club are members of
Read Between the Lions

 Program information here


Washoe County Lions Sight Conservation Committee

Read about WCLSCC here
Read more here on how our club is improving the lives of people
in need of sight resources.