If you’ve ever wondered what one person can do to make a difference in their community look no further than Mike Kelly.
A lifelong tech enthusiast and self-taught computer whiz, Mike has quietly launched a grassroots movement right here in Thurston County. Since the early days of the pandemic, he’s refurbished and given away nearly 1,000 laptops—helping students, job seekers, families, and seniors access the tools they need to thrive. The laptops, donated by generous community members, are revived using a custom Linux-based operating system Mike created called Nixbook OS—a simple, secure, user-friendly alternative to traditional systems.
The Lacey Timberland Library is proud to host Mike Kelly for a free community workshop on Saturday, August 9 at 3:30 PM, where he’ll share his story, demonstrate the upcycling process, and give away a limited number of refurbished laptops to attendees. Supplies are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We caught up with Mike to learn more about the heart and hustle behind his mission, and why upcycling old electronics matters more than ever.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself — how did you get started with upcycling old computers?
A: I've been fascinated by computers since I was a kid. Being born in 1981, I was the perfect age when home computers started becoming mainstream. That early passion turned into a lifelong career of building and fixing computers.
In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, my parents got a new laptop and offered me their old one. Naturally, I said yes, I'll never turn down a computer to tinker with. I fixed it up, cleaned it, and played around with Linux on it. But in the end, I didn’t need the computer, and I wasn’t interested in trying to sell it.
So, I posted it in a local “Free Stuff” Facebook group to see if anyone needed a laptop. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. That’s when I realized just how high the demand was for basic, working computers.
I gave that laptop away quickly. Then, something unexpected happened—other people started messaging me, saying they had old laptops lying around and asking if I wanted them to fix up and give away. Every time I posted a refurbished computer, more people reached out with donations. And just like that, a cycle was born.
Q: What was it like giving away that first laptop?
A: At first, I was just overwhelmed by the response. It was a decent laptop, but nothing particularly fast or fancy. Yet people were reacting like I was giving away a car. The demand was huge—but so was the kindness. So many people left thoughtful messages, grateful that someone would give something like this away.
To me, it didn’t feel like a big deal, but it clearly was for others. I figured it was a one-time thing. But then people started reaching out, offering to donate their own old laptops, and I was both shocked and honored. I had no idea at the time, just how much this would catch on.
Now, in 2025, I’ve likely given away close to 1,000 computers—just here in Olympia. And nearly every one of them was donated by someone else in the community.
Q: What makes upcycling laptops so impactful for people in our community?
A: I’ve always had access to good computers—it's my hobby and passion—and I’ve been fortunate enough to never be in a tight spot financially. Naively, I assumed most people were in a similar situation. I was wrong.
When I started this project, I was shocked by how many people didn’t have a basic working computer. They were trying to go back to school, write papers, create resumes, and search for jobs—all from their phones. Phones have come a long way, but I can’t imagine trying to write a school paper on a tiny touchscreen.
I also learned that not all students are issued free Chromebooks. Many schools have limited supplies, and a lot of kids are left without access to a device they can use for homework. People told me they had to take the bus to the library just to use a computer, borrow one from a family member, or save up for a cheap one at a pawn shop—only to end up with something that barely worked.
The truth is there’s a massive digital divide out there. And most people don’t see it—until they do.
Q: What is Nixbook OS, and how does it help make these laptops easy to use?
A: As I mentioned, I started my career as a computer tech, working with both residential and business clients. One of the biggest things I learned back then is just how easy it is for people to accidentally mess up the Windows operating system. Anyone who’s used Windows for any length of time knows it tends to slow down over time—and you’re often battling malware, viruses, and bloat.
For years, the choice was either deal with Windows and all its headaches or spend a small fortune on a Mac—which comes with its own limitations. But what many people don’t realize is that there’s a third option: Linux.
In its early days, Linux was only for hardcore nerds like me—or even nerdier. But in recent years, it has become far more user-friendly. At the same time, more and more everyday tasks have moved online, which means the average user no longer needs Windows for most things.
When I first started refurbishing laptops, I would install a Linux distro called Linux Mint. It worked well, and most people really liked it. But I noticed some still struggled with things like software updates or certain quirks in the interface. I took that feedback to heart and eventually created my own Linux-based system called Nixbook.
Nixbook was designed to be the most user-friendly operating system possible—simple, fast, and stress-free. It includes a free app store, automatic updates that never expire, and no need for antivirus software. I've found that Nixbook OS is a perfect fit for 99% of everyday users.
Q: How do you make sure personal data is protected on donated devices? What’s the process for securely wiping them?
A: That’s a huge concern for most people. It is often the main reason people hang on to old laptops, stashing them away in garages or closets—they’re (rightfully) concerned about their personal data falling into the wrong hands.
When someone donates a computer to me, I always ask if they need a backup of their data first. Most don’t—either because they’ve already backed it up or they no longer need anything from the device.
The very first thing I do with any donated laptop is boot it from my Linux USB drive and completely wipe the internal drive—before Nixbook is ever installed. This means the drive is fully erased before anything else happens, and no one (not even me) ever sees any of the files that were on it.
This is much more secure than just deleting a Windows user account; it’s a full drive wipe. No computer or hard drive has ever left here with a single personal file still on it. Data privacy is something I take very seriously.
Q: You’ve partnered with local organizations like the Food Source Foundation. How does that connection work?
A: Yes! I’ve been fortunate to connect with incredible people like Chris Hyde—a local hero in his own right. He’s the founder of Souper Sunday and the Food Source Foundation. Through our conversations and collaboration, we’ve realized that many of the people who need laptops are also facing food insecurity.
So, we’ve been working together to build helpful resources directly into these upcycled computers—tools that make it easier for users to find food assistance in their area. It’s a perfect example of how technology can meet real, everyday needs—like helping someone find their next meal.
Q: What’s one story that stands out to you?
A: There have been so many memorable moments! I always try to make it clear that people don’t need to share a sad story to qualify for a free laptop—just saying you need one is enough. But still, many people are incredibly grateful and will tell me how it’s made a difference in their lives.
One story that really stuck with me was from someone in recovery from addiction. They were trying to rebuild their life and needed a break. Thanks to the upcycled laptop, they landed a data entry job and were able to work from home. It gave them the second chance they needed.
Other folks have reached out years later to say they still use the laptop every day. That always means a lot.
Q: What kinds of computers are good for upcycling? What condition should they be in?
A: Just about anything that originally ran Windows 7 or newer is useful. Older Macs, Chromebooks, and even broken laptops are welcome. I’ve got a collection of spare parts, so I can fix most things.
And when a laptop truly can’t be saved, I recycle it responsibly through a local recycler—so nothing goes to waste.
Q: How can people help?
A: If you have an old laptop lying around, donate it! Or just help spread the word.
If you work somewhere that provides laptops to employees, ask what happens to the old ones. Many perfectly good machines get tossed. I’d love to work with more companies to give those devices a second life.
Q: What’s next for your project?
A: Right now, everything’s done through a Facebook group, with pickups and drop-offs at my house or office. But I’d love to set up public donation and pickup locations, and create a more structured request system.
I also want to build partnerships with local businesses and school districts to reduce tech waste and expand access. It’s a win-win for everyone—and I think we’re just getting started.
Why Upcycling Matters
Every year, millions of usable electronics are thrown away, many of them still capable of serving someone in need. According to the EPA, electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, and only about 15% of e-waste is properly recycled in the U.S.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans live without access to basic technology.
By upcycling old computers instead of discarding them, we not only reduce environmental waste but help close the digital divide—especially for students, seniors, low-income families, and people in rural communities. Access to a working computer can open the door to education, job opportunities, telehealth, community connection, and more.
Mike’s work embodies the spirit of grassroots innovation, using what we already have to build a more connected and compassionate community.
Want to get involved?
You can follow and support Mike’s work through the Olympia Free Computers Facebook Group or visit him at our upcoming event at the Lacey Timberland Library.
Join Us!
Refresh, Reboot, Reuse: A Computer Upcycling Workshop with Mike Kelly
Saturday, August 9 at 3:30 PM
Come learn how you can give an old laptop new life...and help someone else access theirs.
