For the March donation drive we're collecting used computers, monitors, laptops, printers, cellphones and electronics and/or tools. Working stuff is best, but we'll take anything. They will be wiped clean of all data and then given to local nonprofit maker- and hacker spaces. Your old and unused electronics will benefit kids, artists, and makers of all sorts to learn, experiment and be creative.

Maker spaces have facilities for tinkering with, building and re-purposing electronics, and often have 3D printers, metal-working and wood-working shops. They are welcoming to new people (even if you just want to see what's up) and most also have classes to teach everything from basic soldering to robotics.

If you'd like to know more about local Maker and Hacker spaces, check out:

• Crash Space (Culver City)
• LA Maker Space (Downtown LA)
• Hexlab Makerspace (Tarzana)
• Technodabble (Santa Monica)
• and lots of specialist (music, kids, girls) maker groups can be found on Meetup.