Bridging the digital divide

As the challenges of online learning continue to impact many families across the country, one JLLer had an idea to help support those facing economic barriers to technology.

“As a working parent living through the COVID-19 era, digital connectivity has been essential to my family. I wanted to find a way to benefit our community, promote sustainability, and empower others with technology,” said Dan MacAvoy, Global Digital Marketing Lead based in Chicago.

Knowing our Aon Center headquarters is a hub for recycled laptops, Dan contacted local non-profit Comp-U-Dopt, whose programs serve to provide access to computers, facilitate growth in technical and digital literacy skills and support the future of youth in the community.

Dan and nine JLL volunteers helped organize the collection of over 1,000 recycled JLL laptops for Comp-U-Dopt to be restored and donated to families in need across Chicago.

“The pandemic has taught us that computer ownership is essential to ensuring complete participation in our digital world,” said Kaia Dutler, Executive Director at Comp-U-Dopt. “Partnerships like this make computer ownership a reality for so many families in Chicago and celebrates a realistic solution through intentional collaboration.”