SmartSource Steps up to the Plate to Help America’s Homeless and Hungry

SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals (Hauppauge, NY, www.smartsourcerentals.com), one of the nation’s leading providers of computer, audio visual (AV) and trade show technology rentals and services, has a heart that stretches across its nationwide territory. Under the leadership of CEO & President Mike McClernon, the company’s corporate culture is one of giving back to the community. That is evident recently in its support of two charities whose missions resonate with many – helping the homeless and fighting hunger.

SmartSource is a current sponsor of Gifts for the Homeless, Inc. (GFTH, Washington, D.C., http://gfth.org), a non-profit corporation comprised of lawyers and staff from area law firms and other legal organizations that volunteer in their spare time and that have been serving the homeless of Washington, D.C. since 1986. SmartSource is a sponsor of GFTH’s “Banding Together 2012,” a “Battle of the Law Firms Bands!” concert to benefit the homeless in the Washington, D.C. area. The event, featuring 17 bands, takes place on June 21, 2012, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at The Black Cat, 1811 14^th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 and 100% of the proceeds are used to help the homeless.

Also reflecting its charitable spirit is SmartSource’s policy of making annual contributions to Feeding America (Chicago, IL, http://feedingamerica.org) in lieu of sending holiday cards. Feeding America’s mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and by engaging the country in the fight to end hunger. It achieves its mission through programs and services such as its Child Hunger program, as well as through its advocacy and public policy efforts focused on working with Congress and local offices to strengthen and expand programs available to the nation’s hungry. Feeding America is also a strong proponent of collaboration, building working relationships with other members of the community such as SmartSource that share its vision of creating a hunger-free America.

McClernon commented that, “We can all relate to both of these problems facing our nation. They are present in every community across the nation. Even during periods of economic downturn, we all recognize that there are Americans who have it much worse, those who have no permanent shelter for their families and are going hungry. When all Americans pull together, we can make a difference. By getting behind these two charities, all of us at SmartSource can do our part to help influence a change for the better.”

McClernon encourages Americans to visit the websites of GFTH (http://gfth.org) and Feeding America (http://feedingamerica.org) to learn more about their missions and ways to support them, including volunteer opportunities. In addition to its “Banding Together” concert, GFTH holds a used clothing drive each December to serve Washington, D.C. area shelters and also raises money used to purchase new clothing for homeless men, women and children. Up to 5,000 bags of clothing are collected. Additionally, every dollar GFTH receives from donors, including from event sponsors such as SmartSource, is used to purchase essential clothing for the homeless in the DC metropolitan area. The organization purchases clothing in bulk over the summer to ensure that it pays the lowest prices and then stores them until winter when they are most needed. An estimated $1 million worth of new clothes for the homeless is distributed by GFTH.

Bart Epstein, President of GFTH, stated, “This truly is a great organization – really just a bunch of lawyers who give time and sweat to makes things happen. We’re hoping for upwards of $200,000 from this event (Banding Together), which will translate into well over $1 million of clothes.”

About SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals

Founded in 1984 and formerly known as Rent-a-PC, Inc., SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals serves broad-based corporate IT, association, professional AV and trade show technology rental needs. The company is widely recognized for its outstanding customer service, technical expertise, geographic reach, breadth of product, and end-to-end solution. Its extensive line features brand name products from Apple, Dell, HP/Compaq, IBM, NEC, Eiki, Meyer, Stumpfl, and others. Among its products are computers, servers, copiers, professional AV equipment, LCD and plasma monitors, kiosks, digital signage and video walls. SmartSource employs over 250 including over 100 field technicians. Its 23 strategic locations are in: Anaheim, CA; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; College Station, TX; Dallas, TX; Englewood, NJ; Eugene, OR; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Long Island, NY; Los Angeles, CA; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO; and Washington, DC. Kirtland Capital Partners, a private equity firm in Cleveland, Ohio, holds a majority interest in SmartSource Rentals. For more information, visit: www.smartsourcerentals.com or call: (800) 888-8686.

Contact: Donna M. Autuori FOR IMMEDIATE

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