2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Free It Athens

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Community & Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Public & Societal Benefit, Recycling

Mission: Our mission is to advocate for free software, reduce the negative impact of ewaste, and eliminate digital inequality.

Community Stories

49 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Swenthorian Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/09/2025

Free IT Athens is a great organization with a very unique mission that provides needed services to the community and I really enjoyed the time I spent volunteering there.

CraigHawkins-ga Client Served

Rating: 5

04/06/2025

The guys are nice and professional and give good reasonable prices for items sold there. They also help with granting computers to those who need a computer. Great Non profit. everyone should go there or donate to help them continue what they do for the community. There isnt any other place like this anywhere in Georgia

StevenHyman82 Client Served

Rating: 5

03/26/2025

Great people here. I found some very low priced computer and I found out they also give back to the community by granting computers to those in need of one.

eYeLuvMyKitty87 General Member of the Public

Rating: 4

12/18/2024

LITERALLY JUST EMAILED THEM ABOUT AN ISSUE AND WITHIN 5 MINS I HAD A RESPONSE. AMAZING!

EricSchmall Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2023

Great place, Great people, Found some parts I have been looking for for a long time.

SamWinsten Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2023

This organization is AWESOME. I got to talk to them and hear what they do to prevent e-waste and electronics from going to landfills. There was several people dropping off electronics as I was there. They even said they loved knowing a place that takes their stuff without charging them for taking it.

JenniferL82 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2023

When you go there and looking for RETRO computer or parts ask for JOSE.
Also saw they now re-sell tablets and some phones that are unlocked and usable

stacim Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2023

The people there are so friendly and knowledgeable. I cam in there with a problem with my computer and they showed me how and what to do to fix it. SAVED me alot of money

DavidS92 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2023

I found out about Free IT Athens from another store here in athens. I was looking for a odd power supply and what was the chances they actually had it. GLAD I heard about this place. Also love what they are doing for the environment

JakeJohonson Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2023

I love how this organization helps reduce e-waste. They also help other non-profits in the area with computer grants.

shawnath Client Served

Rating: 5

10/26/2023

Found a great place to get a computer for my kids. I love how they help keep electronics from waste

dixiecrystal Client Served

Rating: 5

10/25/2023

Great people doing good for the community. They truly care.

lacyarriaga Client Served

Rating: 5

10/25/2023

Great people. Love Free IT Athens!!! Thank you so much!

1

MrsReardon Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2023

Dedicated resourceful staff who are friendly, perseverant and patient. A great inclusive place for tech support and volunteer opportunities.

1

cclar101 Client Served

Rating: 5

12/11/2022

Purchased a recycled HP-Prodesk. Reimagined with Ubuntu and installed Pi-hole. Great resource to buy a project PC and familiarize yourself with open source software.

1

mreppers Client Served

Rating: 5

12/11/2022

I've been donating my electronic "waste" to Free I.T. for years. Their dedication to open source software, and reduce, reuse, recycle is very laudable. They take a big picture view in their theory of change, address both short term and long term needs in our community. I couldn't recommend them enough.

RGaines3 Client Served

Rating: 5

12/10/2022

We suffered a home fire, loosing everything. When Free IT found out they donated laptops to our children to replace the ones they lost at no cost to us. They saved Christmas for our babies and we highly recommend them. The staff went above and beyond to meet our needs.

foss Client Served

Rating: 5

06/07/2022

Free IT Athens has helped me with hardware and Linux software over the years. They are a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic group.

Brock6 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/07/2022

I am so glad I saw an ad for Free IT Athens. We purchased a computer from them several years ago. The price was unbelievable and is still in use today. Everyone one there was friendly and helpful. What a great thing to do for your community. God Bless your efforts!

1

kete Volunteer

Rating: 4

06/06/2022

I enjoyed this place. I got a nice computer just by volunteering. I was new to town, and some of the other volunteers told me about a coffee shop that periodically hosted musicians. I'm glad they provide and support open source software.

1

RenesmiaRenee Donor

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

So glad Free IT is there so we can recycle electronics instead of send them to the landfill

mvaldez Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

FREE IT ATHENS is a radical approach to the modern dilemmas of digital sovereignty, electronic waste, and personal security. I volunteered here a few months in college in 2014 and was gifted with education on FOSS, computer anatomy, and coding. One of the coolest and most ethically driven communities I've had the pleasure of collaborating with. Support FREE IT ATHENS! They are truly creating a better future for us all through direct action and public outreach.

SplinterSave Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/04/2022

Free I.T. Athens has been such a wonderful place for me. I've learned so much from volunteering and often use the store to get good computer accessories that are inexpensive, good for the environment, and support a local group doing good for my community. Win, win, win.

frita123 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/13/2021

Great place to recycle your old computing equipment and learn about free-as-in-free-speech software.

Elijah H. Client Served

Rating: 5

07/11/2021

The staff is wonderful, and the care they take with all of their processes is top-notch! I have to remind myself that I don't have to come in EVERY day they're open, but it's a tough battle =D

gvcpynn Client Served

Rating: 5

07/05/2021

I have on many occasions needed assistance in technology and Free It Athens have always been ready and willing to help me find what I need. Even my sons (who are tech savy have gone to them and learned things for free. We as a family don't have a lot and it has been a life saver many times when I would not have been able to get us the support we needed - for work and school.
Thank you

Bill W.5 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/04/2021

I have been a volunteer at FRITA for over 4 years and have enjoyed it very much! Quality products for sale at very reasonable prices. I am very proud to be a part of this non profit!

1

tbair Donor

Rating: 5

07/03/2021

We've donated many times and will keep doing so. This nonprofit is terrific -- everyone is very helpful, they are pleased to see you whether you are a client or donor, and leadership is terrific. Have also purchased refurb hardware from them; they do excellent job offering good quality hw at fair price. Outstanding organization all around.

1

Kilobyte Board Member

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

I used to volunteers with them for a while during my summers as a teenager. It was this place that allowed me to further my IT skills while still serving my community. I was also able to be creative and reuse the old parts to create a "mother board" wall that allows young volunteers and visitors to understand how a computer would work. I think Free IT Athens is a great non profit that exists in a time when new problems are emerging due to technology, and it is a vital non profit, especially in a city that ranks dead first in poverty rates.

1

lovefamily91 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

Great & fast service! Also, taught our son years ago to rebuild & fix computers!!! Thanks so much!!!

1

freeitathens. Client Served

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

Great people great service an great price's..
The people make sure you're get what you looking for or a greater technical assistant that know what you need.

1

cmaopep Client Served

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

Every time I've gone into Free IT Athens I've come home with something (usually what I was looking for, sometimes it's something else) but the staff are always friendly and helpful, and the products are well-tested and do what I need them to. It's a great community resource for college students on a budget or the tech-deficient who might not know what they need. I've made donations as well and have been happy to Support Free IT!

1

bpa31415 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

Wow. Where do I start…prepandemic, in the store, knowing I was going to leave with a jam-up, better computer/monitor than I am using. I moved 2 hours away but planning a trip here late Jul or early Aug!!!! I also have a box to donate (if they deem current enough) of wiring/switches/drives.

1

katherine1958 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

When my daughter had trouble with her computer they very willingly offered to help and were patient with our questions. They even have a great selection of cords, chargers, keyboards, and other peripherals that are either free or cheap! I plan to donate our old laptop to them so their mission can continue!

1

bburnard Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

I drive 2 hours to donate my old computers to Free IT Athens because then teach people how to repair and maintain them, they are not warehousing them until scrap prices rise for an easy buck. I feel they do a terrific job at keeping useable tech out of landfills. Also the store is a great place to find hard to find items at very fair prices.

1

Dennis R.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

Fixed my laptop. Had taken to a computer repair shop and they said it was mother board and not worth fixing. Took to Free I.T. Athens and they correctly diagnosed as a problem with the charger and connection and fixed on site. If you take your computer in please make a donation (it is not required). They also accept computer donations.

1

Djeuty021 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

I volunteered at Free IT Athens for about 2 years. It was an awesome experience with some wonderful people. They truly live up to their mission of sustainably recycling tech and bridging the digital divide between the "haves" and "have nots". If you have recently upgraded your computers or gadgets, donate you old equipment here where it may serve the underserved and stay out of our landfills and ground water!

1

Nendamos Client Served

Rating: 5

07/02/2021

Free It Athens is a great place to get your first computer, a secondary computer, or just a simple computer for a project or hobby you might want to try. Every computer I have bought here has been well done and the staff is exceptional!
I have recommended all of my friends to come here and buy a computer.

1

Kathie30056 Client Served

Rating: 4

07/01/2021

I love this place and have purchased several computers from here. I now have two from Free IT Athens in my home right now and the one I am using right now was the last. I have bought many monitors from there at such a reasonable price. I send friends there all the time and recommend them every time someone asks. You guys rock!!!!!

1

Matthew E.2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

I've always been impressed by how well Free I.T. Athens has been able to both recycle and refurbish computers for those who need them. Their dedication to open source software is inspiring, and I appreciate the attention to detail they put into recycling e-waste without just shipping it to China without accountability for how it gets recycled. I've given plenty of electronics to them over the years, and they always accept it expediently and graciously.

1

dreamlady Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

I am so happy to find this great place
Every time I have been there, everyone was so very pleasant and have helped me with my computer and then my lab ( which I thought was gone.)
Our community is blessed to have such a group of people helping so many.

1

seafar14 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

Fantastic service, theyre so great for the community!

1

cary33 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

All the pieces of my computer have come from Free IT. The monitor, the computer and the printer they all work perfectly and are very high quality.. They helped me upgrade so I can watch my great granddaughter dance on streaming live from the National Dance Competition. I

1

Rebecca K.2 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

I received excellent assistance with a computer issue from Free IT Athens. The volunteers are generous with their time and folks can also buy computers and accessories at great prices. Highly recommend!

1

Shawnhenson73 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

It's great seeing electronics get a second chance. The people there are great and are about free software and digital inclusion

1

TopDiamond2021 Donor

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

Provides a vital community service by 1. Reducing land fill of electronic residue/parts 2. Providing a low cost avenue for buyers of used parts.

1

littlewoodfloor Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

This organization changed my life. So much wonderful support of each other. A true community.

1

AmyS228 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/17/2013

This organization has helped my son so much in allowing him to volunteer and eventually become a staff member. I can never express my gratitude for that. Free IT Athens has an amazing ability to enhance the lives of so many of the under served of the Athens area. They are an incredible group of people who truly have a heart for helping others.

1

MonkeyBrain Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/01/2013

Free I.T. is a great non-profit organization that provides it's volunteers with a friendly learning environment, knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to earn a free laptop computer after a certain number of volunteer hours (working on refurbishing donated computers). The staff is very friendly and easily approachable. Even if you know nothing at all about the inner workings of a computer, or how it's put together, there's always someone there to help you learn. It's been a great experience for me, and I really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers and staff!

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