More on Charitopia

A few days ago, I reported the unveiling of Charitopia, a website developed by Stanford University computer scientists that matches up donors of goods and charitable groups that could use those cast-offs. At the time I noted that details were sketchy. Well, Charitopia developer Michael Genesereth has since gotten back to me with some details.

As I suspected, the new program is currently operating only around the San Francisco Bay area, largely because arranging for the movement of "free" goods becomes problematic when the donor is in Chicago and the charity in Atlanta. However, he fully expects the program to eventually go international.

For now, Genesereth explains, "We try to match by zipcode. Getting goods transferred remains a problem even in this case. At any rate, it is the charity that is responsible for 'arranging' the exchange. In some cases, this means picking goods up. In some cases, it means asking donors to drop things off. We are also working with organizations like the UPS to do free pickup and delivery; however, we do not yet have any such deals signed. Finally, we are contemplating a volunteer service--to drive around on weekends to pick up and drop things off. Not yet in place either. This is a summer project for some students here."

Although Charitopia went live in March, as of last Friday, only 10 donors and charitable recipients had registered with the project's website (http://www.charitopia.org).

By the way, in just the last 4 days, that site has vastly expanded its utility. For instance, individuals no longer have to register and log in (which is, of course, free) to see what is available or what categories of goods it's currently soliciting.

Or, which charities have signed up. As of today, there are eight: AidsfreeAfrica; Belle Haven School; Budding Ballerinas; Charitopia; Freetopia; Gomoa Achiase School; Habitat for Humanity; and Stanford Logic Group.

However, things are moving along swiftly, Genesereth says. Later this week, he says, "We expect to have the system in full service, including email notifications of complementary listings and so forth."

Speaking of Freetopia, what's that? See the next post.