Meadowhall shows support for Sheffield laptop campaign with new drop-off point

Meadowhall shopping centre has become the latest Sheffield business to back the Laptops for Kids campaign, offering to be a drop off point for donated devices.
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The campaign - which was launched in 2020 by The Star, WANdisco and Learn Sheffield - has been helping to tackle digital poverty amongst Sheffield’s young people, providing them with devices to learn remotely from home throughout lockdown.

Anyone wishing to donate new and used laptops, tablets and chargers can now drop them off at the reception desk in Meadowhall’s management suite.

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Centre director at Meadowhall, Darren Pearce, said: “We’ve been aware of the Laptops for Kids initiative since it launched last year, and it really is addressing such a crucial issue in our communities. It’s a shocking statistic that almost one in ten households are living without access to a laptop, tablet or desktop computer, so I’m just pleased we can do our bit to help.

Centre director at Meadowhall, Darren Pearce.Centre director at Meadowhall, Darren Pearce.
Centre director at Meadowhall, Darren Pearce.

“I’d encourage anyone who does have an old, unused device at home to get behind the initiative and donate it to this cause. Every single laptop or tablet donated has the potential to have such a huge impact on a child’s life.”

David Richards, chief executive of WANdisco who instigated the Laptops for Kids campaign, added: “We welcome this show of support from Meadowhall which will help increase awareness of our campaign and encourage more donations.

“We urge businesses in Sheffield to follow the example and do what they can to support access to learning during the pandemic.”

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In line with the Government’s national lockdown measures, only essential stores remain open at Meadowhall to provide the local community with essential products and services.

An enquiry via the Laptops for Kids website should be made before dropping off a device, as the specification of devices need to be checked for suitability.

Other drop off points in Sheffield include Crystal Peaks Shopping Mall, Cutlers Hall, Twinkl and Learn Sheffield.

The Laptops for Kids model has now started to be scaled up across the North of England, including Doncaster, Rotherham, Newcastle, and more locations to follow.

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For more information about donating a device or to make a cash donation, visit: www.LTFK.co.uk

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.