Dust is Dan Miller’s enemy. He fights it every day. And he always wins.
Miller cleans and repairs donated computers at the Edna Burton Senior Center.
‘This one’s dusty,? he says, cleaning the inside of a 2001 tower. ‘I can fix that.?
The center, located at 345 Ball St., accepts donated computers from the public. With the help of Miller and Adam Hirsch, those computers can be repaired and given to senior citizens interested in broadening their technological horizons.
‘They’re free to seniors,? Miller said. ‘We have five or six sitting over there right now, ready for whoever wants them.?
Miller has been volunteering his technology services to the center since 2003. Since that time, he said hundreds of computers have found new homes.
‘People come in and don’t even know how to turn the things on,? the volunteer said. ‘If they come in with questions, we’ll help them out. But we don’t necessarily give lessons.?
Miller said having a computer and being involved with the internet is increasingly important to senior citizens.
‘It keeps you up-to-date and keeps the mind active,? he said. ‘That’s why I do it, anyway.?
The computers available at the center are not necessarily up to date, Miller said. But they’ll do the job.
‘Most of the people who come in just want to interact with their families online. Like grandchildren,? he said.
Miller said the center does accept monetary donations for the computer program, since there are times when parts must be purchased to make the technology work. That does not hinder the center from giving the computers away for free.
‘If someone wants a computer and asks how much it costs, we tell them it costs nothing,? he said. ‘But we will accept a donation if they don’t feel right about taking it for free.?