Mercedes is teaming up with Compudopt this month to collect old electronics and get them back into the hands of people who need them.

Drop-off spots are at the city library and the Mercedes Recreation Center Dome. Even broken devices are accepted.

The goal is to help people who can't afford new devices.

"For lots of people, it's very hard just to get even a basic smartphone," Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library Digital Navigator Anthony Cardenas said. "It's very important for anybody who needs one, wants one because nowadays everything is dependent on smart devices, smartphones, computers, and the internet."

Once collected, devices go to a warehouse to be cleaned and data-wiped. People in Mercedes get refurbished devices first.

If there are extras, they go to the rest of the Rio Grande Valley.