Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.0, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Philadelphia Children's Foundation Every Child Deserves a 21st-Century Education ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://phillykids.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [News & Accomplishments](https://phillykids.org/news-2/) - [PCF Creates a Recording Studio at Emlen](https://phillykids.org/pcf-creates-a-recording-studio-at-emlen/) - Emlen Elementary is lucky to have a great music teacher in Ms. Parker. And to support her in her work, PCF has converted an old storage closet into a recording studio during the last couple of months. And last week we had our formal opening with Principal Thomas belting out some Whitney Houston tunes, a - [Our 2025 Summer: Roosevelt PA System Installation](https://phillykids.org/2025-roosevelt/) - People assume our summers are pretty chill considering the schools we work with are not in session. Well, this year, it was anything but chill! We worked 5 grueling weeks straight to install an advanced PA system in an auditorium. At the urging of Emlen and Houston school principals, PCF has started to work with - [Upgrading Sound Systems](https://phillykids.org/upgrading-sound-systems/) - Almost all the schools we work with have a grand auditorium space, talented and engaged music teachers on staff, but they lack any sort of PA or sound system to support them with movie nights, assemblies, school plays, talent shows and so on. Even the graduation ceremonies are barely audible! And as was the case - [Complete Guide to Cloning Linux Machines Using "Imaging"](https://phillykids.org/imaging/) - This post describes the process of creating a master machine, making an "image" of that master, copying that image onto a USB bootable drive and the commands needed to clone the master onto target machines. This process was devised by PCF's Jan Deruiter with consulting input from Linux guru/expert Keith Perry from DAO Technologies. One - [A Word About How We Prep Computers For Deployment](https://phillykids.org/a-word-about-how-we-prep-computers-for-deployment/) - Over the years, PCF has "refurbished" and "imaged" thousands of computers that were given away to schools, other programs/organizations and to families directly. In this post, we thought we'd describe what's involved in doing so. The first step is for us to procure the equipment. We are lucky to have generous donors donate their computers - [Basic Refurbishing Instructions](https://phillykids.org/basic-refurbishing-instructions/) - View the more up-to-date and elaborate imaging instructions here » The Refurbishing Process Explained: PCF maintains master computers that are cloned (replicated) using USB sticks/Flash Drives These master computers are configured with three different types of users. They include accounts for: Students with added protections Admins (for parents, teachers, adults) PCF admin account (in case - [PCF Support of Emlen's Play Days and Parent's Days](https://phillykids.org/pcf-support-of-emlens-play-day-and-parents-day/) - For years now, PCF has helped out Emlen Elementary during their Parent Orientation day at the beginning of the year and their Students Play Day held just before summer break. Both events involve cooking a massive number of hotdogs...like 450 of them for each gig! PCF is lucky to be able to recruit neighbor volunteers - [PCF Donates High-End Computers to Lankenau High School](https://phillykids.org/pcf-donates-high-end-computers-to-lankenau-high-school/) - Virtually all of the thousands of computers PCF has donated to families, schools and other programs over the years, were donated to us. And the process is fairly straightforward: individuals or companies donate the computers, we wipe the data, refurbish them as needed, put Linux on them and then gift them to whoever with matching - [XL Donation by Carpenter Tech. Funds 3D Printer Lab at Logan (and others)](https://phillykids.org/xl-donation-by-carpenter-tech-funds-3d-printer-lab-at-logan-and-others/) - PCF was very lucky to have been awarded a $10,000 donation by Carpenter Technologies. They donate every year as part of their annual Impact Awards and PCF was lucky to be recognized and win this year's award. Furthermore, the award is normally $5,000 but when Carpenter Technologies learned more about what PCF does, they doubled - [PCF Installs a Full Court](https://phillykids.org/pcf-installs-a-full-court/) - More than 11 years ago, PCF changed its focus to work mostly through schools and other organizations (rather than with families directly) in order to support our youth. And one of the first schools we contacted was Emlen Elementary in East Mt. Airy. During our first meeting with them, they mentioned that they desperately wanted - [PCF Revamps Houston's Auditorium AV System](https://phillykids.org/pcf-revamps-houston-auditorium/) - PCF has been a community partner of Houston Elementary School since we started working with schools directly many years ago. Over the years, we have spent a LOT of time and resources at Houston, installing donated desktop computers in every classroom, providing hundreds of refurbished laptops (before and in the beginning of the pandemic), donating - [On-Going Support for the Camden Dream Center](https://phillykids.org/on-going-support-for-the-camden-dream-center/) - For many years now, PCF has supported the Camden Dream Center. Located just across the river in Camden, NJ, the Dream Center has long been a force in providing a variety of community-based services to over 500 families and 3,000 individuals annually. PCF has been a strong supporter of their STEM based summer programs in - [Donated Piano Given to Emlen Elementary](https://phillykids.org/donated-piano-given-to-emlen-elementary/) - A generous donor contacted PCF if we could use a baby grand piano. In cases like this, we did what we always do which is to contact our network of schools to see if any of them were in need. Before long, Emlen Elementary let us know that they would love to have it. The - [Access Keys for Boot Order & BIOS](https://phillykids.org/access-keys-for-boot-order-bios/) - To specify the drive you wish to boot from or to access the BIOS screen, repeatedly press the appropriate Function key immediately after turning on the computer. The Function Key to use/press depends on your computer brand/model. ASUS (most models) ESC to enter boot menu (choose pmap for USB). Delete or F2 to enter BIOS. - [About Display/Monitor Adapters](https://phillykids.org/adapters/) - If you are connecting a (secondary) monitor to a laptop, you MAY need an adapter. Here is a guide: Most monitors come with a standard VGA connector/cable. See the image to the right. The cable is typically blue and has three rows of pins. PC's or Older Macs If you have a PC or a - [Chromebooks: Resolving Audio/Video Issues (Zoom/Meet)](https://phillykids.org/zoom/) - The Philadelphia School District has provided some guidelines to deal with Zoom/Meet issues on CHROMEBOOKS (no video, no audio). Besides making sure it is set up correctly, it appears some of the Chromebooks are barely powerful enough and some housekeeping may alleviate the issues you are experiencing. Note: the below applies to District-provided Chromebooks, not - [Take Home Computers for Remote Learning](https://phillykids.org/take-home-computers-for-remote-learning/) - After the first school district shut down back in April, many of our partner schools approached PCF for help. While the district had provided a large/huge infusion of Chromebooks, there were not enough to go around and in some cases, schools were reluctant to empty out their classroom inventory in fear of equipment loss or - [Connecting to Wi-Fi](https://phillykids.org/wifi/) - Desktop Computer Users: Desktop computers typically do not have wi-fi built-in. You will need a USB Wi-Fi "adapter" to add wi-fi functionality to your desktop computer. A Wi-Fi adapter is a little device that plugs into one of your USB ports on your computer (just like your keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.). If you do not - [Connecting Your Camera and Microphone](https://phillykids.org/camera/) - Very few of the desktop computers PCF has given out include a camera or microphone. And most of the laptops do not include a camera or microphone either. These laptops were either too old or they were ordered to exclude these features due to privacy concerns. Times have changed... PCF has found cameras online for - [Wi-Fi Networks Do Not Show Up](https://phillykids.org/wi-fi-networks-do-not-show-up/) - On the top right of your desktop screen, you will find the time and some smaller icons for networking, bluetooth, volume, etc. To connect to a Wi-Fi network, simple choose the network from the list of available networks in the networking dropdown (top right). If no networks appear, first make sure the "Enable Networking" is - [Updating your Computer](https://phillykids.org/updating/) - For a variety of reasons, it is good practise to keep your computer updated. Sometimes, websites will stop working if your browser is too old plus there are security updates/patches, and so on. To update your computer, follow these steps: Step 1: Click the Xubuntu menu at the top left of your screen: Step 2: - [Support from FIS Global](https://phillykids.org/financial-support-from-fis-global/) - Out of the blue, PCF received a letter and checks from FIS Global employees totaling nearly $700. As per the letter, the office was moving to another location and furniture and paintings were auctioned off to employees with the proceeds going to a good cause. We are grateful they chose PCF and we will make - [How to Set up Your Desktop](https://phillykids.org/how-to-set-up-your-desktop/) - Download the PDF of this page » Step 1 - Placing the equipment Decide where you want your computer to go Make sure you have a working Internet connection nearby (in wall or router) Make sure power is nearby Set up a table/s for the computer/s Decide how to make do with the room you - [600 Hot Dogs Anyone?](https://phillykids.org/600-hot-dogs-anyone/) - Nothing marks the end of the school year like cooking 600 hot dogs in the summer heat at Emlen Elementary! Although somewhat outside of PCF's technology focused mission, we have helped Emlen with this fun event for the last three years. We love doing it and, besides offering assistance to the great staff at Emlen, - [PCF Support of Programs and Community Centers](https://phillykids.org/community-center-support/) - Besides working with schools and families directly, PCF is committed to help Community Centers, Churches, After School programs, and anyone else willing to make computers available to their communities free of charge. That includes supporting other organizations, non-profits, and programs by providing them with computers and projectors, or assist in teaching classes. PCF has partnered - [10-Unit Lab at South Philly Community Center](https://phillykids.org/10-unit-lab-at-south-philly-community-center/) - Last Friday, PCF Director Jan Deruiter joined PCF's Western Suburb Chapter members Srikar and Ashwin for the installation of a 10-unit lab in a South Philadelphia Community Center. The Community Center offers a variety of programs to serve the Bhutanese refugee (learn more ») community who have resettled in the Philadelphia area in last ten - [60 High-End Laptops to Three Schools](https://phillykids.org/three-schools/) - 60 laptops donation to Emlen Elementary School, Henry H. Houston Elementary, and James Logan School of Philadelphia - [~160 Computers Donated, Delivered, and Installed at Houston Elem.](https://phillykids.org/160-computers-donated-delivered-and-installed-at-houston-elem/) - For the second year in a row, HealthShare Exchange (web ») employees helped PCF with a full day of volunteering. About 30 employees showed up on a hot late summer day at the beginning of the school year, rolled up their sleeves and helped refurbish, clean, and install about 120 desktop computers at Houston Elementary - [150 Laptops Donation By Ellucian, Malvern](https://phillykids.org/150-laptops-donation-by-ellucian-malvern/) - Ellucian, Malvern, has graciously donated us 150 laptops once again! - [One Way to Spend Your Spring Break...](https://phillykids.org/one-way-to-spend-your-spring-break/) - Western Suburbs Chapter volunteers Ashwin and Srikar chose to spend time volunteering for PCF during their short Spring Break holiday this year. With the help of their families, they met PCF at our storage facility where we refurbished a lot of computers on the first day. The next day they returned to visit three different - [Assisting a 7th Grade Science Teacher plus 3D Classes at Mifflin](https://phillykids.org/assisting-a-7th-grade-science-teacher-plus-3d-classes-at-mifflin/) - This year PCF was very excited to team up with Ms McConnell, 7th grade science teacher at Mifflin Elementary. We used 3D printing to help illustrate basic science concepts. Ms McConnell and PCF had been trying to figure out something to do with her 7th grade that would not merely let the students doodle with - [Classroom Computers/Printers for Our Partner Schools](https://phillykids.org/classroom-computers-printers-for-our-partner-schools/) - During the 2018-19 school year, PCF donated and installed hundreds of desktop computers to various local schools including Houston, Emlen, Logan, Mifflin, and others. The bulk of them were installed into classrooms with the remainder used in computer labs, libraries, and parent resource (HSA) rooms. About 20 printers were installed in various classrooms too. The - [Coatesville 'Kids to College' Mini Lab](https://phillykids.org/coatesville-kids-to-college-mini-lab-with-8-laptops/) - This week, the PCF Western Suburbs crew installed their first Community Center Lab in Coatesville, Pa. Ashwin and Srikar, who head up the PCF Western Suburbs chapter, identified the Program to support and solicited the equipment donations that were used (in part) to support the program. Additional support was provided by PCF. The recipient program - [600+ Laptops Donated to Philadelphia Public Schools](https://phillykids.org/600-laptop-donation-to-philadelphia-public-schools/) - Through the generous equipment and monetary donations from Radnor Middle School, Einstein Healthcare Network, Jefferson Health, the Drumcliff Foundation, and private donors, PCF has been able to significantly increase our support to Philadelphia public schools in the 2019-2020 school year. All in all more than 600 laptops have been donated this year already to various - [~250 Family Take-Home Computers Donated](https://phillykids.org/250-family-take-home-computers-donated/) - PCF has been working with selected schools to provide parents and caregivers with free take-home computers. As part of the application process, parents commit to spend at least one hour a week with their student/s on the (premium) educational websites that are provided by the District. These are the same educational websites students use during - [(Very) Basic Getting-Started Guide (incl Admin password)](https://phillykids.org/getting-started/) - For the last two years, we have been using Xubuntu for our laptops and desktop computers. It is fast and easy to use. For the basics (including Admin password), please refer to our setup guide: Xubuntu-recipient-instructs-2017-0919.pdf - [Loud fan but not starting up](https://phillykids.org/loud-fan-but-not-starting-up/) - If your computer's fan sounds like it is going on full blast but your computer is not starting up, please try the following: Unplug your computer Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds (to drain the battery completely) plug everything back in and try again Leave the system on for up to an - [Beeps (1-3-4-3) upon startup](https://phillykids.org/beeps-1-3-4-3-upon-startup/) - If your computer beeps (1 beep-3-4-3) but doesn't boot then this is often a memory related issue. Please try the following: Unplug the power cord Remove the memory chips from the machine Make sure they are the same size and speed and inserted into the right slots (blue before green and typically inside before outside - [Battery Not Holding a Charge](https://phillykids.org/battery-not-holding-a-charge/) - If your computer's battery does not hold a charge (for long) then likely your battery or charger are damaged. This can happen due to age and/or physical damage. If the battery LED on your laptop intermittently flashes amber or red, then there may not be much you can do. Remove the battery and re-install it - [Complete Xubuntu Documentation](https://phillykids.org/complete-xubuntu-documentation/) - Since early 2016, PCF has been using Xubuntu for all of our computers. Xubuntu is a Debian/Ubuntu based operating system that is bosh fast and user friendly. We are using version 16.0.4 which is supported until April of 2019. If you are interested, the full user documentation for version 16.0.4 is located here: https://docs.xubuntu.org/1604/user/C/index.html - [Changing the Main Language of Your System](https://phillykids.org/changing-the-main-language-of-your-system/) - If you would like to pick a language other than "English (United States)" as your main language, follow these instructions: Important: make sure your computer is connected to the Internet via hard wire or wi-fi. make sure you are logged in as an Admin (see FAQ "(Very) Basic Getting-Started Guide (incl Admin password)" for default - [Classroom Computers Installed](https://phillykids.org/classroom-computers-installed/) - During the 20117-18 school year, a great deal of effort was spent ensuring that the teachers in the schools we work with have all the computer equipment they need...or that they have room for, in some cases. The District has done a great job providing schools with additional computers and ChromeBooks but the need remains - [3D Teaching During the 2017-18 School Year](https://phillykids.org/3d-teaching-during-the-2017-18-school-year/) - During the 2017-2018 school year, PCF greatly enhanced our 3D Printing offering. In order to do so, we purchased a new printer that allows us to print more objects at the same time and it is much faster. We provided classes during and after school at Edmonds, Logan, Emlen and Mifflin. Since printing still takes - [Coatesville Better Tomorrows Mini Lab](https://phillykids.org/coatesville-better-tomorrows-mini-lab/) - This week, the PCF Western Suburbs crew installed their second Community Center Lab in Coatesville, PA. Srikar and Ashwin were contacted by Better Tomorrow's Crystal Lowery to provide 10 computers to be used at their center. - [DIY Classroom Computers at Mifflin](https://phillykids.org/diy-classroom-computers-at-mifflin/) - Today we spent some time in Ms. Salter's classroom at Mifflin Elementary School in East Falls. She requested 10 laptops to use for Google Classroom assignments, typing practice, creating papers, and doing research for projects. Since we do not have a Tech-Master program up and running at Mifflin, Ms. Salter offered her 4th graders to - [30+ Projectors Distributed](https://phillykids.org/30-projectors-distributed/) - Two weeks or so ago, Friends' Central School in Wynnewood donated a van-load full of iMacs and Projectors to PCF. This week, the projectors were distributed to some very happy schools including Emlen, Logan, Dobson, Mifflin, Steel, Houston, and Edmonds. To save each school's tech person the hassle, PCF changed the settings on the projectors as - ["Tech-master" Program at Logan](https://phillykids.org/it-support-team-program-at-logan/) - PCF is delighted to implement our "Tech-Master" program (a.k.a. "It Support Team" or "Geek Squad" program) at Logan. Logan has utilized PCF's Classroom Computers for a few years now and the goal is to teach a small group of 3rd and 4th graders how to install and update PCF's computers as needed. PCF has always - [iMac Donation by Pan American School](https://phillykids.org/imac-donation-by-pan-american-school/) - Over the summer, we met with Pan American School's Director of Technology Zach Brown to discuss a possible equipment donation to PCF. Earlier today, we were delighted to pick up 12 iMacs that were already wiped clean and factory reset by Mr. Brown. The iMacs are particularly useful for job/career training and graphics-heavy training. To - [$1,000 Community Partner Grant from Wells Fargo](https://phillykids.org/1000-community-grant-from-wells-fargo/) - Last Friday PCF received a $1,000 Community Partner Grant from Wells Fargo. We are extremely grateful to receive this annual unrestricted grant from Wells Fargo. To receive the grant, we visited our sponsoring Wells Fargo branch at Academy Plaza in NorthEast Philadelphia where we met with Branch Manager Luz Bonilla and Service Manager Ms. Lotoya - [PCF Receives Phila. Dept of Commerce Grant](https://phillykids.org/pcf-receives-phila-dept-of-commerce-grant/) - The Philadelphia Children's Foundation has received a $30,000 Grant from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. The grant was part of the StartupPHL initiative, which uses public money to match investment in Philadelphia’s innovation ecosystem. PCF received the grant to fund two efforts: 1) our "Tech-Masters" (a.k.a. "IT Support Teams") program which creates and nurtures small IT Support - [Refurbishing Lessons at Houston](https://phillykids.org/refurbishing-lessons-at-houston/) - In our effort to make schools more self sufficient, we created our "IT Support Teams" program which teaches 4th and 5th graders how to do parts of the refurbishing and performing the updating of machines themselves. Last year, PCF spent a lot of time coming up with a process that makes this possible (thanks to - [Friends' Central Donates iMacs and Projectors to PCF](https://phillykids.org/friends-central-donates-imacs-and-projectors-to-pcf/) - Today we picked up a donation of iMacs and Projectors from Friends' Central School in the Overbrook area of Philadelphia. We are extremely excited to accept this donation as both the iMacs and the Projectors are very desirable and hard to come by! The iMacs will be distributed to classrooms that require desktop computers with - [Website Creation Classes at Emlen](https://phillykids.org/website-creation-classes-at-emlen/) - PCF started to teach our "Website Creation" class to Emlen Elementary students. About 14 students are part of the "Computer Club" After School Program. The website creation program is expected to last at least 6 weeks. The classes are made possible in part by our StartupPHL grant and PCF is fortunate to be supported by Emlen's - [PCF's New State-of-the-Art Refurbishing Process](https://phillykids.org/pcfs-new-state-of-the-art-refurbishing-process/) - We could have used a few different titles for this post such as "How To Save Yourself 60+ Minutes Per Machine", or "Fast and Error-Free Refurbishing" or "How DAO Technologies Saved PCF !" among others. PCF has been incredibly fortunate to have received support from DAO Technologies this Fall. DAO devised a very practical, state-of-the-art - [PCF Board Member Michael O'Bryan Awarded Prestigious Grant For Community Initiative](https://phillykids.org/pcf-board-member-michael-obryan-awarded-prestigious-grant-for-community-initiative/) - PCF's own Michael O'Bryan was named a 2014 BMe Leader for his work with Built4Us, a youth-based media non-profit publishing company that views creativity and interactive media as vital tools for psychological well-being. Michael is a passionate scholar who combines music, science, and psychology into programs aimed at helping youths process community trauma. As part of - [Meet the 2014 PCF Intern Team](https://phillykids.org/meet-the-2014-pcf-intern-team/) - PCF's six awesome interns help build a better future for Philadelphia's children. - [Study Shows Third Grade Reading Level Predicts High School Graduation](https://phillykids.org/study-shows-third-grade-reading-level-predicts-high-school-graduation/) - We all know that a student’s experience early on in school can have major implications for their future academic career. Numerous longitudinal studies have demonstrated how warning signs for future academic issues manifest themselves earlier and earlier in a child’s schooling. Simply put, without a dramatic reversal of the status quo, we are cementing educational - [PCF Partner Spotlight: Health Partners Plans](https://phillykids.org/pcf-partner-spotlight-health-partners-plans/) - Health Partners Plans is a long-standing, not-for-profit health insurance organization serving more than 180,000 area members through its Medicaid and Medicare coverage and also many children through its KidzPartners/CHIP program. In fact, about half of their members are children. - [Support PCF by Shopping at Amazon](https://phillykids.org/pcf-joins-amazonsmile-program/) - Now you can support kids while you shop! PCF is now accepting charitable donations through the AmazonSmile Foundation. - [Turn & Burn Regatta](https://phillykids.org/turn-burn-regatta/) - The Annual Turn & Burn Regatta is held each fall, usually the first or second Sunday in November on the Schuylkill River/Kelly Drive in Philadelphia, PA. Join us and help make sure every Philadelphia child has access to a computer. Organized by The Philadelphia Children’s Foundation, the Turn & Burn Regatta is comprised of a “Turn” (a 1,500 meter stake boat - [Classroom Computers Program Pilot at Emlen](https://phillykids.org/classroom-computers-pilot-program-at-emlen/) - PCF placed roughly 60 computers into various classroom at Emlen at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. Due to the success of our pilot program there, PCF received official permission from the Philadelphia Public School District's IT department to roll out our Classroom Computers program to other schools. After our successful pilot program, we are now officially allowed - [Comcast Cares Day](https://phillykids.org/comcast-cares-day/) - Comcast Cares Day 2015 was the first volunteer event at the warehouse on Ridge Avenue (after we moved there from Chestnut Hill offices). Comcast has provided great support to PCF over the years and this day certainly was no different. About 20-some-odd volunteers split into several groups to sort/code books, clean computers, install hard drives and memory, - [Emlen Library Opening](https://phillykids.org/emlen-library-opening/) - When PCF heard that Emlen Elementary was converting an unused, junk-filled classroom into a library, we got very excited and offered to help. The completion of this project was a huge undertaking and involved a lot of individuals, private donations, school personnel, private schools and organizations including PCF. The opening ceremony was very touching with kids speaking - [Houston Elementary Classroom Computers](https://phillykids.org/houston-elementary-classroom-computers/) - After our successful pilot program at Emlen Elementary, we were given the go-ahead by the Philadelphia school district to work with schools directly. Through the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition, we learned of the technology needs at Henry H. Houston Elementary and decided to see if PCF would be able to offer assistance. After our initial meeting with - [Radnor School District Equipment Donation](https://phillykids.org/radnor-school-district-equipment-donation/) - The Radnor Township School District donated a truck full of laptops and a few overhead projectors to PCF during the summer! The equipment was picked up from 4 different Radnor District schools. What was great about their donation is that the laptops were all in working order and accompanied by power supplies. And few things get teachers more - [33 Philly Public Schools Need Your Help](https://phillykids.org/33-philly-public-schools-need-your-help/) - PCF was invited to attend the District's Partnerships Resource Fair during school break. Since we had not advertised our renewed focus on supporting schools, we did not expect the huge interest in our Programs. In the span of two hours, 33 schools filled out an application to receive support for classroom computers, library support, and technology teaching. - [PCF Receives Support from Univest Bank and Trust Co.](https://phillykids.org/pcf-receives-support-from-univest-bank-trust-co/) - PCF is thrilled to receive support from Univest Bank and Trust Co. Last week, PCF picked up 25 powerful Dell computers that had been partially refurbished already (the drives were wiped clean and all are in working order). And before the weekend was over, we received an email that they would have even more computers for us next - [$1,000 Community Partner Grant from Wells Fargo](https://phillykids.org/1000-community-partner-grant-from-wells-fargo/) - On Monday November 9, 2015, PCF received an unrestricted operating grant for $1,000 from Wells Fargo. The ceremony was held near King of Prussia and the photo above shows PCF's director Jan Deruiter accepting the award. The money will be used to purchase supplies for refurbishing computers as well as to cover operating expenses. PCF - [Chikara Donates 80 Event Tickets to Public Schools](https://phillykids.org/chikara/) - CHIKARA has generously donated 80 tickets for PCF to distribute to 4 public schools in the Northwest. The event looks like a lot of fun and PCF has chosen Emlen, Houston, Jenks, and Henry schools to choose how they wish to distribute the tickets to students and their families. Saturday, December 5th, 2015 Doors open at 6 - [Financial Support from The Hibbert Group](https://phillykids.org/financial-support-from-the-hibbert-group/) - PCF was thrilled to receive support from The Hibbert Group. We received a check for $250 from the company and a personal check for $250 from the CEO Timothy Moonan which will be used to support our Classroom Computers program. http://hibbertgroup.com/ We could not do our work without the financial support from corporations, organizations, and - [3D Classes at Emlen and Logan](https://phillykids.org/3d-classes-at-emlen-and-logan/) - After finishing up our 3D printing classes at Henry two weeks ago, we have started a new course at Emlen and expect to start another at Logan soon. Both these classes will run until the end of the school year. PCF owns an old 3d printer that was donated to us. We bring the printer - [ABCya! Lowers Flash Requirements](https://phillykids.org/abcya-lowers-flash-requirements/) - ABCya! is one of the most popular educational games websites among students in the various schools we work with. It offers students of all ages/grades educational games to teach them math, reading, and so on while having fun. A few weeks ago, we learned that the company had raised its Flash requirements to the latest - [Classroom Computers for James Logan](https://phillykids.org/classroom-computers-for-james-logan/) - We found out about Logan Elementary, located just NW of Mt. Airy, from the Principal at Emlen. After meeting with Logan's Principal and TTL, PCF decided to support them with our Classroom Computers program. Man, are we glad we did. In fact, we liked working with this school so much that we will be starting - [Computer Pickup at Health Partners Plans](https://phillykids.org/computer-pickup-at-health-partners-plans/) - PCF has been truly fortunate with the support we've received, and continue to receive, from Health Partners Plans. They have supported us financially with generous annual donations plus most of the 2,000 machines PCF has received over the years have come from HPP network hospitals such as Aria Health, Einstein Medical Center, Hahnemann University Hospital, - [School Front Office Technology](https://phillykids.org/school-front-office-technology/) - At PCF, we spend most of our time inside Philadelphia public school classrooms. Over the course of the last couple of years, we have spent countless hours inside roughly 150 classrooms in schools all over Philadelphia. While many rooms are OK, or even 'fine', quite often we experience: rooms without enough power to operate a - [20-Unit Laptop Cart for Houston Elementary](https://phillykids.org/20-unit-laptop-cart-for-houston-elementary/) - Today, we put the finishing touches on a 20-unit laptop cart at Houston Elementary. The second grade teacher, Ms. Renfer, is getting assistance from the district's regional Technology Integration Specialist on how to best integrate technology into her curriculum. The Philadelphia Children's Foundation believes that the earlier students are exposed to technology, the better. So - [Logan Computers Updated](https://phillykids.org/logan-computers-updated/) - PCF Recently updated all 50-some-odd computers at Logan Elementary. Logan was the first school we updated using PCF's new "imaging" method. Since we installed the computers at Logan last year, Adobe discontinued Flash for the version of Linux we had been using and Google replaced Chrome with another browser (Chromium). As a result, some websites - [Pilot: Emlen 5th Graders Refurbish (& Install) Their Own Computers](https://phillykids.org/pilot-emlen-5th-graders-refurbish-install-their-own/) - PCF spent the day at Emlen Elementary in East Mt. Airy to launch a new way for us to support schools with classroom computers. PCF's "IT Support Team" program refurbishes and installs computers on-site with the help of the school's own students. These students learned a lot while PCF benefitted from their labor. And together we made 4 teachers very - [PhillyKids is Looking for Part-Time Worker/s](https://phillykids.org/join-pcf-2017/) - The Philadelphia Children's Foundation is looking to fill a part time position as soon as possible. Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Elementary School Technology Program Development and Instruction Position Description Background PCF is a non-profit organization of people who passionately believe that tomorrow’s leaders need computer skills today. Many inner-city households have no or no working computer, and - [More Support from Wayne Elementary](https://phillykids.org/more-support-from-wayne-elementary/) - The Radnor School District, which includes Wayne Elementary, has been incredibly supportive of PCF over the years. They have donated hundreds of laptops, thousands of books, some laptop carts and a variety of other equipment such as projectors, monitors, etc. Thanks to their generosity, hundreds of Philadelphia students are benefitting from better stocked libraries in - [Laptops for Refugee Family Students](https://phillykids.org/laptops-for-refugee-family-students/) - Thanks to St. Peter's Church in Society Hill, and congregant Ms. Woods in particular (pictured above), PCF was able to offer assistance to a refugee family in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia. The family fled their native country of Congo and relocated to the United States with their four children, all of whom are serious - [Five Below Customer Donation Drive](https://phillykids.org/five-below-customer-donation-drive/) - [Health Partners Plans and PCF Provide 60 Laptops to Lab Charter](https://phillykids.org/health-partners-plans-and-pcf-provide-60-laptops-to-lab-charter/) - On Tuesday September 19, The Philadelphia Children's Foundation, Health Partners Plans, and the Health Partners Foundation presented The Laboratory Charter School with 60 refurbished Laptop Computers. The computers will be used by the teachers and their students. Established in 1997, 'Lab Charter' has three locations in Philadelphia: 2 in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia and - [Large Book Donation to Logan Elementary](https://phillykids.org/large-book-donation-to-logan-elementary/) - PCF donated two palettes of books (and some furniture) to Logan Elementary. These books were donated by multiple sources including the Radnor School district, Wells Fargo and others. The books were sorted by PCF volunteers according to subject and reading level during the last two volunteering events at the warehouse. Logan had provided us with - [Laptops for the Village of the Arts & Humanities](https://phillykids.org/laptops-for-the-village-of-the-arts-humanities/) - PCF received a request from the Village for some laptop computers. When we learned that the laptops were needed for programming and web development courses being taught over the summer, we jumped at the opportunity. The Village is an amazing place and a great resource and PCF was delighted they were teaching computer courses over - [PCF in the Chestnut Hill Local](https://phillykids.org/pcf-in-the-chestnut-hill-local/) - A long article about PCF, written by Sue Ann Rybak, was published in The Chestnut Hill Local today. Sue accompanied PCF's Jan Deruiter at a recent 3D printing class at Emlen Elementary in East Mt. Airy. Thank you Sue for your in depth article and raising awareness of the urgent need in our public schools - [200 Used iPads Donated by Endo Pharmaceuticals](https://phillykids.org/200-used-ipads-donated-by-endo-pharmaceuticals/) - PCF was incredibly fortunate to receive about 200 used iPads from Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc (Malvern, PA) earlier in 2015. iPads are treasured in schools because of their versatility and other factors. After PCF purchased power chargers and cables, we contacted the school district for help on how to best distribute them to Philadelphia schools. With their - [PCF Supports S.T.E.M. Classes at J.S. Jenks](https://phillykids.org/pcf-supports-s-t-e-m-classes-at-j-s-jenks/) - PCF became aware of the exciting changes taking place at J.S. Jenks Elementary through the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition. Abby Thaker from Mt Airy USA suggested we get in touch with Jenks to offer technology support. During our meeting with principal Lynskey, it became evident that this was the perfect place for PCF to help with 3D Printing Classes. - [Computer Literacy and 3D Classes](https://phillykids.org/computer-literacy-and-3d-classes/) - After Emlen Elementary received their new computer lab at the beginning of the 2015 school year, PCF jumped on the opportunity to teach technology classes there. About a dozen 5th graders were selected by their teachers and allowed to attend the weekly 2.5 hr class for the remainder of the school year. A donor had given PCF - [3D Printing Classes at CW Henry](https://phillykids.org/3d-printing-classes-at-cw-henry/) - PCF wrapped up the 3D printing course at Henry in West Mt. Airy last week. For the last few months, we have worked with their students on using web based 3D programs. The 3D printer is a novelty and sending students home with the plastic trinkets they created is a great motivator. In the process - [Five Below Back-to-School Drive](https://phillykids.org/five-below-back-to-school-drive/) - Five Below has been incredibly supportive of PCF by organizing two separate customer donation drives at various Philadelphia area locations. Altogether, these drives have amounted to several thousand dollars in toys and much needed supplies. Earlier this year, the Easter drive was a huge success which enabled several schools to create incentive programs aimed at improving - [Lab Wiring at ET Steel](https://phillykids.org/lab-wiring-at-et-steel/) - When we contacted Steel about updating our classroom computers at their school, we learned that they needed some help in their computer lab. The first two rows of Macs needed to be hardwired. SDP had been asked but as the beginning of the school year is crunchtime, no guarantees were made as to when they'd - [Community Ctr for HIV Positive Youth in Southwest](https://phillykids.org/community-ctr-for-hiv-youth-in-southwest/) - Pastor Brawner, who runs the Haven Paniel church in North Philadelphia where we installed a 10-unit lab, also runs a support center for HIV positive youth in Southwest Philadelphia. The mission of Haven Youth Center is to provide educational, social, and recreational services to HIV positive youth to support healthy, age-appropriate development and transition into - [Computer Lab at Haven Peniel Church](https://phillykids.org/computer-lab-at-haven-peniel-church/) - This publicly accessible computer lab at the Haven Paniel Methodist Church in North Philadelphia was referred to us by the Brewerytown Community Center (where we recently installed a lab). Pastor Brawner also runs a Youth Center in Southwest Philadelphia where we installed a 3-unit lab and a printer. Haven Peniel United Methodist Church has a - [Take Home Computer for Family In Bustleton](https://phillykids.org/take-home-computer-for-family-in-bustleton/) - PCF donated and installed a computer for third grader Rayna in the Bustleton section of Philadelphia. Rayna is an honor student who needed a computer in order to be able to keep up with her classmates. most of whom have computers and internet access at home. Her school is relying more and more on students - [30+ Laser Printers to Teachers/Centers in Need](https://phillykids.org/30-laser-printers-to-teacherscenters-in-need/) - PCF has been busy distributing and installing Laser Printers to schools and community centers in need. In many schools, teachers only have access to the printer in their school's main office, which means they have to leave their classroom and walk several flights of stairs just to print a document. For the Community Centers, it allows - [Radnor District Donation Benefits Houston](https://phillykids.org/radnor-district-donation-benefits-houston/) - The Radnor School District has been incredibly supportive of PCF over the years donating hundreds of laptops and hundreds (thousands?) of books. Their donations have helped all the schools we work with and have made a real difference. Libraries at Emlen, Steel, Logan and Houston have all been supplemented by their donations. And all the - [Donation by an Airport-Based Company](https://phillykids.org/donation-by-an-airport-based-company/) - PCF received a generous equipment donation of about 120 CPU's and monitors from a company that wishes to remain anonymous. We are accustomed to receiving equipment donations in parking lots and loading docs at corporate parks, school grounds on the mainline, or downtown. But this was the first time we ventured out to the airport - [10 More iPads to Jenks in Chestnut Hill](https://phillykids.org/10-more-ipads-to-jenks-in-chestnut-hill/) - A King of Prussia based company, which prefers to stay anonymous, donated 10 additional iPads to PCF (they donated iPads int he past). Last year, many of the same firm's employees spent a day at the warehouse organizing, refurbishing computers, and sorting library books. PCF purchased the chargers and USB cables and wiped them so - [15-Unit Lab at a Brewerytown Community Center](https://phillykids.org/15-unit-lab-at-a-brewerytown-community-center/) - PCF installed a 15-unit computer lab at the Brewerytown Sharswood NAC/CDC, located at 30th & Master Street in the Brewerytown section of Philadelphia. The facility serves a community of over 8,000 of which 51% live below the government poverty level line; the rate of unemployment is higher than any other zip code (19121) in the - [2017 Equipment Donation by PMHCC](https://phillykids.org/equipment-donation-by-pmhcc-2/) - PMHCC (The Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation) has donated computer equipment to PCF in the past. Even though it had been a year and a half or so, all of us remembered how cold it was during the last pickup. It must have been traumatic because even though it was the middle of July, we - [Equipment Donation by PMHCC](https://phillykids.org/equipment-donation-by-pmhcc/) - PCF would like to thank PMHCC (The Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation) for their generous donation of computers, monitors, keyboards, mice and cabling. The equipment was picked up by our recycler (hard drive shredder, recycler, and parts supplier). After they process the equipment, it will make its way to PCF's warehouse where ITT Technical Institute students and - [Classroom Computers & Mini-Lab at W. Cramp](https://phillykids.org/classroom-computers-at-w-cramp/) - Thanks to our donors and volunteers, PCF was able to install 30 computers into various classrooms and the Family Resource Room at William Cramp Elementary. Prior to installing the computers, PCF provided Cramp with 8 donated iPads. In addition to setting up mini labs in various classrooms, we also outfitted a room that is used - [Radnor Township Schools Book Donation](https://phillykids.org/radnor-township-schools-book-donation/) - Ithan Elementary donated 19 boxes filled with children's books to be distributed to Philadelphia public schools. Earlier this summer, the district donated a trove of laptops and overhead projectors that were wiped and refurbished over the summer and which will be distributed to schools this fall. We want to thank the Maureen, Joan, and Stephanie at the Radnor - [Book Delivery to ET Steel](https://phillykids.org/book-delivery-to-et-steel-in-north-philadelphia/) - Today we delivered 30-35 boxes of books to ET Steel School in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia. Most of the books were donated to PCF by the American Association of Law Libraries and the Radnor School District. But a couple of the boxes came from a caring individual who leaves her Wells Fargo account manager mostly sports-related books that she - [Radnor Middle School Book Donation](https://phillykids.org/radnor-middle-school-book-donation/) - The Radnor School District has been a great partner of PCF over time, supplying us with laptops, computers, carts, and books. Many Philadelphia schools have benefited from their generosity. When their librarian Catherine contacted us about another donation of books, it sounded like we'd be picking up a few boxes. When we got there, however, - [Mini Lab Installation in Kensington](https://phillykids.org/mini-lab-installation-in-kensington/) - Right next to Cramp Elementary school, whom we supplied with classroom computers in the past, is the Schmidt Recreation Center. The Center helps students after school with homework and other programs. When we contacted Cramp about updating their computers, they asked if PCF would be willing to help the Rec Center with computers. After reading - [Outdoor Classroom & Painting at Emlen](https://phillykids.org/outdoor-classroom-painting-at-emlen/) - PCF was contacted by the Land Health Institute to assist with an outdoor classroom area and painting of the annex building at Emlen elementary. PCF has a long history with Emlen and LHI so we were thrilled to assist. On a very hot and steamy day in August, PCF's Jan Deruiter brought a car full - [PCF in The Notebook: Out with the old? Not so fast](https://phillykids.org/pcf-in-the-notebook-out-with-the-old-not-so-fast/) - PCF was featured in an article in The Notebook, Philadelphia public schools' independent voice for parents, educators, students, and friends of Philadelphia Public Schools. In the article, PCF Director and Principal Thomas from Emlen were interviewed about the beginnings of what became PCF's Classroom Computers Program. Out with the old? Not so fast District schools like - [Publicly Accessible Computers & Printers Inside Schools](https://phillykids.org/publicly-accessible-computers-printers-inside-schools/) - One of the things we observed from installing computers into the homes of families was the absence of working printers. We learned that depending on the school, most students do not have a computer at home.* And amongst those that do, working printers are a rarity. We assume this to be true because printers can be difficult to connect and replacing toner - [Computers to AB Day in Mt. Airy](https://phillykids.org/computers-to-ab-day-in-mt-airy/) - PCF Board member Greg Bermon and Jan Deruiter installed approximately 20 computers at A.B. Day Elementary School in East Mt. Airy. Greg took a vacation day from his work to assist Jan with the installation. Like many of the other schools, some classrooms posed some challenges (in terms of finding power and/or getting Ethernet to - [Houston Library Computers](https://phillykids.org/houston-library-computers/) - PCF has had the fortune of working with Henry H. Houston Elementary school quite a bit in the past. They were our second Classroom Computers program installation plus we have helped them with iPads, the installation of a security system and, most recently, we outfitted their library with five computers. PCF encourages schools to set - [Helping to Put Ex-Offenders to Work](https://phillykids.org/putting-ex-offenders-to-work/) - PCF is proud to be working with PAR-Recycleworks whose mission is to responsibly recycle electronics and through this process, help pay for salaries and job skill development for formerly incarcerated men and women in order to support their productive re-entry back into society. Check out this recent Chestnut Hill Local news article (which also references - [The Move Before The Storm](https://phillykids.org/the-move-before-the-storm/) - We have learned that it helps to move our equipment into staging rooms inside schools before we show up at a future date to install them. This way, we cut down on truck rental expenses plus we make the most efficient use of our volunteers' time during installation and it gives us a chance to - [PCF Supports "The ITEM" With Laptops](https://phillykids.org/pcf-supports-the-item-with-laptops/) - Philadelphia is lucky to have a program that assists post high-school minorities and women in the field of technology. The Item (which stands for "Inclusive Technology & Entrepreneurship Movement") has regular meet-up meetings where they discuss technology and get hands-on experience. At a recent meet-up, The Item got into programming and were looking for laptops - [Classroom Computers at E.T. Steel](https://phillykids.org/classroom-computers-at-e-t-steel/) - PCF installed almost 50 computers into Steel classrooms in a mad rush before the start of PSSA tests (at which point no visitors would be allowed into the building, let alone classrooms). Earlier in the year, PCF supplied hundreds of coded books to Steel, located in Nicetown (East of Germantown). We need your help to - [Financial Support from Interphase Medical Equipment](https://phillykids.org/financial-support-from-interphase-medical-equipment/) - PCF was thrilled to receive support from Interphase Medical Equipment. We received a check for $500 which will be used to support our Classroom Computers program. We could not do our work without the financial support from corporations, organizations, and individuals. Please consider making a donation or plan to volunteer today! - [Woodforest National Bank Volunteer Day](https://phillykids.org/woodforest-national-bank-volunteering-day/) - PCF Board member Leona Laibhen-Cesar (standing) along with fellow Woodforest National Bank employees came in to volunteer for the better part of the day. They worked their way through a TON of books that eventually made their way to Emlen Elementary's new library. Each book was looked up on the web and then color coded according to the - [HeathShare Exchange Volunteer Day & Sponsorship](https://phillykids.org/heathshare-exchange-volunteering-day/) - Board member Hal Augustine organized and facilitated a volunteer day with HealthShare Exchange of Southeastern PA. A team of HSX employees showed up and spent almost a full day doing the spectrum of volunteering: computer rehab, cable sorting, book coding and monitor testing. We got a ton of work done. The computers processed that day ended up - [Books and Financial Support from A.A.L.L.](https://phillykids.org/books-and-financial-support-from-a-a-l-l/) - PCF was thrilled to receive a car-load of childrens' books along with a very generous donation of $1,225 from the members of the American Association of Law Libraries! The books were collected by AALL members and picked up here in Philadelphia. PCF will be donating the books to a Philadelphia public school after we have sorted - [Hartranft Elementary School 2nd Grade Take Home Computers](https://phillykids.org/hartranft-elementary-school/) - In May of 2014, PCF provided the families of 2nd Graders at Hartranft Elementary School in North Philadelphia with take home computers. Here are some of the photos of the event: - [200 iPads to 8 Public Schools](https://phillykids.org/200-ipads-to-8-public-schools/) - Just before summer break, Endo Pharmaceuticals contacted PCF about a donation of 200 used iPads. They came without chargers/cables but those were easy enough to get. 200 iPads was huge and we knew we'd make some teachers (and their students) very happy campers. We worked closely with the Philadelphia School District to identify the schools and teachers that would - [60 Elementary Students Take Home Family's First Computer](https://phillykids.org/60-elementary-students-take-home-familys-first-computer/) - PHILADELPHIA, PA - On March 13, 2014, Philadelphia Children's Foundation distributed computers to the fifth grade students of Hartranft Elementary School. The entire fifth grade class, totaling 59 children received a computer. Students and their families, joined by Hartranft faculty and several members of the Philadelphia Children's Foundation board, gathered in the Hartranft auditorium to collect 60 newly ## Pages - [Philadelphia Children's Foundation](https://phillykids.org/) - We install internet-ready computers into classrooms, outfit libraries with books, provide computers to low-income families, and teach 3D/technology classes. - [Classroom Computers](https://phillykids.org/programs/classroom-computers-program/) - [Lack of Technology](https://phillykids.org/about-p-c-f/lack-of-technology/) - Today’s reality: Philadelphia public school students receive Chromebooks for use during school but these devices are under powered for many tasks, unavailable during recess, and often in disrepair or without a charger. In many cases, students use mobile phones to try and complete online assignments. Many classrooms do not have spare computers for students to - [Theater and Music Program Support](https://phillykids.org/programs/theater-music-support/) - PCF is proud to announce our Theater and Music Program Support program! This new program includes: upgrading/installing auditorium sound systems, upgrading/installing auditorium projection systems, upgrading/installing stage lighting, supporting schools during shows and rehearsals (mixing sound), creating sound studios in schools, and teaching sound mixing classes. Over the years, PCF has let our partner schools guide - [Schools in Need](https://phillykids.org/donate/schools-in-need/) - PCF recently attended a Philadelphia School District Strategic Partnership Fair. During the meeting, more than 30 school principals asked (some begged 🙂 ) for PCF to supply them with Classroom Mini-Labs, help upgrade their auditorium PA systems, help implement a 3D printing class, or offer library support. Get Involved!Schools eager for our support are shown below:We need - [What We Do | PCF Programs](https://phillykids.org/programs/) - PCF supports Philadelphia public schools by installing internet-ready computers in classrooms and publicly accessible locations. We also help outfit school libraries with books, provide computers to low-income families that do not have them, and teach 3D printing classes. Did you know that most public school classrooms do not have a single working computer for teachers - [News & Accomplishments](https://phillykids.org/news/) - [Roxborough Free Library: 3D Modeling and Printing Class Registration](https://phillykids.org/contact/rox3d/) - Please note that this program has ended and we are currently not accepting registrations. - [PCF Board of Directors](https://phillykids.org/about-p-c-f/pcf-board-of-directors/) - Jan Deruiter, Exec. Dir. and Board MemberOwner, MostlyWeb, Inc. Jan Deruiter started his career in computers in 1985 when he landed a job with a pioneering software development company just one year after the Mac (“128”) was introduced. After outgrowing the facilities at the Science Center, the company went on to become an early leader in graphics software for - [Equipment Donation Guidelines](https://phillykids.org/equipment/) - Thank you for considering donating your equipment to the Philadelphia Children's Foundation. All of the equipment we provide to schools, organizations, students and their families was donated to us by people like you. Donated equipment comes to us from individuals, families, other school districts, businesses, and organizations. We could not do what we do were - [School Needs Assessment](https://phillykids.org/school-needs-assessment/) - [Partners](https://phillykids.org/about-p-c-f/partners/) - Key/Sustaining Partners: Jefferson has provided PCF with thousands of computers that were distributed to schools, families, daycare centers and various other organizations, programs and locations in and around Philadelphia. HPP hospitals have provided PCF with thousands of computers plus substantial financial support over the years. The School District of Philadelphia has provided PCF with support and direct - [Please Donate Your Computer/s](https://phillykids.org/donate/computer-donation/) - Now more than ever, PCF needs computers (especially laptops) to donate to families in need. Besides computers, we need financial donations to pay for video cameras, laptop batteries, wi-fi adapters, and refurbishing parts. Equipment donation guidelines » Donating Your Computer/s is Easy and Contact-Free. Individual equipment donations can be dropped off at our drop-off location - [Dove Men+Care | NBPA | Danny Green Tech & Talk Camp](https://phillykids.org/tech-camp/) - Hello Everyone, I'm Susan Hearn, the Website Design Coach for the Dove Men+Care | NBPA | Danny Green Tech & Talk Camp that kicks off tomorrow morning! We are grateful to Philly Kids for connecting us with Martin Luther King Jr. High School, and we are looking forward to a creative, fun-filled 4-days! Schedule (90 - [Application Forms](https://phillykids.org/contact/application-forms/) - Computer/peripheral application (for students, families, schools, programs and organizations) Secondary Monitors for School Staff - [Take-Home Computer Application](https://phillykids.org/home-app/) - This form has been disabled. Please fill out this form instead. - [Mini Lab Application](https://phillykids.org/mini-lab-app/) - This form has been disabled. Please fill out this form instead. - [Classroom Computer(s) Application](https://phillykids.org/classroom/) - This form has been disabled. Please fill out this form instead. - [Family Application](https://phillykids.org/parents/family-application/) - This form has been disabled. Please fill out this form instead. - [Computer/Peripheral Application](https://phillykids.org/application/) - [Donate](https://phillykids.org/donate/) - The Philadelphia Children's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our EIN # is 20-5356792 Plain and simple, PCF cannot exist without the financial support from corporations, organizations, foundations and individuals to do our work. The need among Philadelphia schools and community is stifling but with your help, we are able to offer much needed support to many schools and - [In Memoriam and Tribute Gifts](https://phillykids.org/donate/in-memoriam-and-tribute-gifts/) - "In memoriam" or tribute donations are a wonderful way to remember a loved one who’s passed or to honor a special living person, while making a difference in the lives of underserved youth in the Philadelphia area. If PCF's mission aligns with the person you are honoring then a donation in their name can be a wonderful way - [Secondary Monitors for School Staff](https://phillykids.org/monitors/) - [HP LaserJet Application Form](https://phillykids.org/laserjet/) - PCF has some printers available. They are: HP LaserJet p2055dn B/W (not color) Laser (not Inkjet) (laser printout are water resistant, btw) About 15" x 15" square USB direct (Apple, Windows or Linux) or networked Laser toner is cheaper than inkjet cartridges. Store brand toner costs about $35-40 for up to 2,700 pages (5% coverage). Click - [Mini-Labs: Remote Learning Pods, Community & Daycare Centers](https://phillykids.org/programs/community-centers-and-hsa-mini-labs/) - PCF actively supports publicly accessible Community Centers, Daycare Centers, Churches and other spaces that accommodate students for distance learning. These same spaces often will allow adults to make use of their facilities (and our equipment) to get online to pay bills, research, apply for jobs, training, and so on. Distance Learning 'Pods' PCF is actively - [Please Send Us Your Photo/s !](https://phillykids.org/photos/) - [Support: Home Users & Community Centers](https://phillykids.org/support/) - If you are having a problem, please check out our self-help section first. - [Form: submitted](https://phillykids.org/form-submitted/) - Thank you for submitting your request/application. It has been submitted to PCF for review. You should hear back shortly regarding your request. - [Free Take-Home Computer Application for Logan Families](https://phillykids.org/parents/logan/) - To promote student learning, the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation is offering Logan Elementary families FREE take-home computers. A computer at home will enable your child to access online learning tools that will help him/her with math, language, and other skills. Access to these online learning tools is paid for by the School District and all students - [Free Take-Home Computer Application for Martin Luther King H.S. Families](https://phillykids.org/parents/mlk/) - [Free Take-Home Computer Application for Dobson Families](https://phillykids.org/parents/dobson/) - [PCF Chapter Organization: Western Suburbs](https://phillykids.org/phillysuburbs/) - PCF's Western Suburbs Chapter is Headed up by Two Students. Here is their story: As sophomores in the Downingtown Area School District, we are fortunate to have access to state of the art educational facilities and tools. While these facilities and tools are available to all students in our school district, we were surprised that - [Parent/Teacher Resources](https://phillykids.org/resources/) - Below you will find resources for Digital Literacy and other programs. Guide To Digital Literacy: Coding At Local Libraries Step-by-step guide that provides information on how to bring coding programs to your local library, resources for women in tech, and free coding resources. https://www.inmyarea.com/resources/guide-for-digital-literacy-coding-at-local-libraries - [Linux User Information: Tips, Tricks, etc.](https://phillykids.org/basics/) - [Refurbishing](https://phillykids.org/refurbishing/) - [Free Take-Home Computer Application for Emlen Families](https://phillykids.org/parents/emlen/) - [Parents](https://phillykids.org/parents/) - [About P.C.F.](https://phillykids.org/about-p-c-f/) - PCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Philadelphia public schools by installing internet-ready computers in classrooms and publicly accessible locations. We also help outfit school libraries with books, provide computers to low-income families that do not have them, and teach 3D printing and computer literacy classes. Our mission is to help children - [Contact](https://phillykids.org/contact/) - Office/Mailing Address: Philadelphia Children's Foundation Attn: Jan Deruiter P.O. Box 29740 Philadelphia, PA 19119 Phone: 215-242-5115 (your best option is to email us) If you are in Philadelphia, send a msg to info@phillykids.org or use the form below. If you are West of Philadelphia (King of Prussia, Great Valley, Exton, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Lancaster and surrounding - [Non Profit Donations of Goods: Computers, Books, Toys, etc.](https://phillykids.org/donating-material-goods-to-non-profit/) - PCF is a non-profit organization that relies on donated books, computer equipment, toys, and supplies to do our work. We commit our own resources in order to deploy them to schools, classrooms, rec centers, libraries, and families in need. Computer / Equipment Donations PCF prefers bulk donations to make it worth our time to do the pickups but if you - [2018 Philadelphia Children's Foundation Video](https://phillykids.org/video/) - ["Tech-Master" a.k.a. "IT Support Teams" Program](https://phillykids.org/programs/it-support-teams/) - PCF's "Tech-Master" program combines our computer literacy teaching and classroom computers programs. We are working with selected schools to create and nurture "IT Support Teams" to refurbish, install, and maintain the equipment we donate to their schools. These Teams are comprised of students as young as 4th grade. The objective is for these students to become responsible - [3D Printing & Computer Literacy](https://phillykids.org/programs/3d-printing-computer-literacy/) - PCF classes teach students how to create 3D objects such as chess pieces, keychain tags, and other small objects using a 3D printer on-site. At one of the schools where we taught our classes, a parent became inspired by our efforts to donate a 3D printer so that teachers could continue the program. PCF will launch a - [Take Home Computers](https://phillykids.org/programs/take-home-computers/) - In the past, PCF has provided several hundred families with take home computers: free computers to families that do not have one at home. While we still support this program to some extent, implementation has been scaled back a bit due to the following factors: it can take up to two hours to install a single home computer - [Library Support](https://phillykids.org/programs/library-support/) - PCF has donated thousands of books and helped by color-coding books according to reading level (100-Book Challenge). Community and school libraries represent one of the most important centers of learning available to many underprivileged children in Philadelphia and around the country. While we all have fond memories of spending a quiet afternoon reading and researching - [Utilization Survey](https://phillykids.org/survey/) - Dear Educator: Jan Deruiter from Philadelphia Children’s Foundation provided your classroom with 1 or more computers. For PCF to continue to serve your school and others, we need to raise money from grants and private sources. But donors only give when they know our donated equipment is making a difference in educating students. Your help is - [Projector Replacement Bulbs](https://phillykids.org/bulbs/) - Our recycler, CyberCrunch Recycling, donated a box of projector lightbulbs. As you know, these bulbs can be prohibitively expensive. While these bulbs are used, many of them have quite a few hours left on them. To see if we can provide you with a replacement bulb, please fill out the form below so we can look - [Testimonials](https://phillykids.org/testimonials/) - To illustrate the vital importance of having computers in the classroom. Teacher/Principal Testimonials: Emlen was our first Classroom Computer Program recipient. Thanks to the success of our pilot program there, we have been allowed to work with other SDP schools directly. Houston was the second school we gifted classroom computers. - [Financial Supporters](https://phillykids.org/donate/donorssupporters/) - Partial List of Financial Supporters - [School Technical Support](https://phillykids.org/contact/support-schools/) - [Volunteer](https://phillykids.org/donate/volunteer/) - Volunteers make up the lifeblood of Philadelphia Children’s Foundation. Just a few hours of your time with PCF can help make a positive, lasting impact on the students and youth we serve. Please contact us if you are interested in helping during a volunteer day or on your own during the week. Computer Refurbishers We - [Help/FAQs](https://phillykids.org/helpfaqs/) - We will add to this section as we are able. If you'd like to email us for support, please use this form. - [Corporate Giving Conduit](https://phillykids.org/programs/corp-giving-conduit/) - PCF often serves as a conduit for corporate and institutional giving. Often times, companies or institutions want to help out but the task of finding the best suited recipients for their donations is difficult and time consuming. More and more, PCF is used as a conduit for distributing gifts to schools, community centers, and people - [Internal - Photos](https://phillykids.org/internal-photos/) - [Thank You](https://phillykids.org/donate/thank-you/) - Thank you for your donation! PCF cannot do what we do without your support. Please sign up for our mailing list below to keep up to date with the projects we're working on and the schools we're working with. And please, always feel free to contact Jan Deruiter at PCF. - [Join our Mailing List](https://phillykids.org/contact/join-our-mailing-list/) - To join our mailing list, please fill out the form in the footer below. Rest assured that we do not email often. And when we do, you will always be able to opt-out of future mailings. And of course, we will never share your information with any other organization (partner or otherwise). - [Upcoming Events](https://phillykids.org/news-2/upcoming-events/) - We are working on updating this page with dates/details of upcoming events. In the meantime, please contact us if you are interested in volunteering on your own or during one of our upcoming events. - [Thanks For Joining](https://phillykids.org/contact/thanks-for-joining/) - Thank you for joining our mailing list! Please add info@phillykids.org to your address book to ensure we do not land up in your SPAM folder. ## Tracks - [Emlen Talent Show; June 10, 2025](https://phillykids.org/album/emlen-talent-show-june-10-2025/) - [2025 Emlen Recording "Den" - 4th Grade](https://phillykids.org/album/2025-emlen-recording-den-4th-grade/) ## Categories - [In the News](https://phillykids.org/category/in-the-news/) - [Technology Classes](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/technology-classes/) - [Classroom Computers](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/classroom-computers/) - [Publicly Accessible Mini-Labs](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/publicly-accessible-mini-labs/) - [Programs](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/) - [Library Support](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/library-support/) - [Sponsors](https://phillykids.org/category/sponsors/) - [Take Home Computers](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/take-home-computers/) - [PCF News](https://phillykids.org/category/pcf-news/) - [Volunteering](https://phillykids.org/category/volunteering/) - [Corporate Donation](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/corporate-donation/) - [Tech-Masters](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/it-support-teams/) - [PCF Suburbs](https://phillykids.org/category/pcf-suburbs/) - [Refurbishing](https://phillykids.org/category/refurbishing/) - [Using Linux](https://phillykids.org/category/using-linux/) - [Program Support](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/program-support/) - [School Support](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/school-support/) - [Theater/Music Support](https://phillykids.org/category/programs/theater-music-support/) ## Tags - [Emlen Elementary](https://phillykids.org/tag/emlen-elementary/) - [Printer](https://phillykids.org/tag/printer/) - [Houston Elementary](https://phillykids.org/tag/houston-elementary/) - [Edward T. Steel](https://phillykids.org/tag/edward-t-steel/) - [J.S. Jenks Elementary](https://phillykids.org/tag/j-s-jenks-elementary/) - [ITT Technical Institute](https://phillykids.org/tag/itt-technical-institute/) - [Mt. Airy Schools Coalition](https://phillykids.org/tag/mt-airy-schools-coalition/) - [Philadelphia School District](https://phillykids.org/tag/philadelphia-school-district/) - [Valley Green Bank](https://phillykids.org/tag/valley-green-bank/) - [Univest Bank and Trust](https://phillykids.org/tag/univest-bank-and-trust/) - [Wells Fargo](https://phillykids.org/tag/wells-fargo/) - [CW Henry](https://phillykids.org/tag/cw-henry/) - [Logan Elem.](https://phillykids.org/tag/logan-elem/) - [Cramp Elem.](https://phillykids.org/tag/cramp-elem/) - [A.B. Day Elem.](https://phillykids.org/tag/a-b-day-elem/) - [Radnor School District](https://phillykids.org/tag/radnor-school-district/) - [Shawmont Elementary](https://phillykids.org/tag/shawmont-elementary/) - [Dobson Elementary](https://phillykids.org/tag/dobson-elementary/) - [Mifflin Elementary](https://phillykids.org/tag/mifflin-elementary/) - [Five Below](https://phillykids.org/tag/five-below/) - [Lab Charter](https://phillykids.org/tag/lab-charter/) - [Duckrey Elem.](https://phillykids.org/tag/duckrey-elem/) - [3D Printing](https://phillykids.org/tag/3d-printing/) - [Website Creation](https://phillykids.org/tag/website-creation/) - [Friends' Central](https://phillykids.org/tag/friends-central/) - [Edmonds](https://phillykids.org/tag/edmonds/) - [HSX](https://phillykids.org/tag/hsx/) - [Harding Middle School](https://phillykids.org/tag/harding-middle-school/) - [wi-fi](https://phillykids.org/tag/wi-fi/) - [camera](https://phillykids.org/tag/camera/) - [microphone](https://phillykids.org/tag/microphone/) - [Covid-19](https://phillykids.org/tag/covid-19/) - [chromebook](https://phillykids.org/tag/chromebook/) - [Roosevelt K-8](https://phillykids.org/tag/roosevelt-k-8/) - [Rock to the Future](https://phillykids.org/tag/rock-to-the-future/) ## Categories - [Live Shows](https://phillykids.org/playlist-category/live-shows/) - [Recording Studio](https://phillykids.org/playlist-category/recording-studio/) - [Talent Shows](https://phillykids.org/playlist-category/talent-shows/) ## Tags - [5th Grade](https://phillykids.org/playlist-tag/5th-grade/) - [4th Grade](https://phillykids.org/playlist-tag/4th-grade/) - [3rd Grade](https://phillykids.org/playlist-tag/3rd-grade/)