Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (http://business.toshiba.com) today announces the five finalists of its second annual Toshiba Helping the Helpers Technology Makeover contest.  Through its commitment to building strong and sustainable communities, the company is donating more than $225,000 in new technology equipment among these five U.S. nonprofit organizations with a valid 501 (c) 3 status.

Rather than having its employees choose the grand prize winner, Toshiba is allowing the public to determine which contest finalist will receive the grand prize $102,000 technology upgrade and award-winning Encompass™ Analysis to help uncover hidden cost savings opportunities.  Four runners-ups will receive a prize package of $31,000 worth of new equipment and services.

This year’s finalists include charities from across the country with missions as diverse as empowering individuals while breaking the cycle of homelessness; supporting victims of crime and disaster; providing a fresh start for people battling substance abuse; offering quality care and service for those with developmental disabilities and finding loving homes for cats and dogs.  

Toshiba Helping the Helpers Technology Makeover contest finalists:

• Located in Richmond, Calif., Bay Area Rescue Mission presents the means and opportunity for real and lasting change to homeless and needy individuals throughout the Northern California Bay Area.
• Habilitat is a residential substance abuse treatment program in Kaneohe, Hawaii established in 1971, which serves people within its community, throughout the United States and other countries.
• NuPath, Inc., based in Woburn, Mass., provides people with developmental disabilities the support necessary to live, work, learn and grow to their fullest potential.
• Save-A-Pet in Grayslake, Ill. provides a safe haven and quality care for rescued cats and dogs, thereby providing a second chance for these animals.
• Based in Akron, Ohio, Victim Assistance Program provides support, prevention and justice for victims of crime and tragedy. 

"Much like last year, we appreciate the number of nonprofits taking precious time away from fulfilling their respective missions in order to produce and submit such dynamic videos describing how their organizations are positively impacting our communities,” said Bill Melo, vice president of marketing, services & solutions at Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.  “Considering all of the compelling entries we received, it was a difficult task to determine just five finalists.  Given this scenario, we are happy to allow the public the opportunity to choose the contest grand prize winner.”

The selected organizations will receive a prize package of Toshiba products and services – which could include a new e-STUDIO™ multifunction printer, all-in-one desktop computers, Protégé® laptops, LED HDTVs, CAMILEO® camcorders, Excite™ tablets, telephone systems, memory cards and even energy-saving LED light bulbs to help them reduce costs, streamline operations and conserve resources.

Anyone interested in voting for the Toshiba Helping the Helpers Technology Makeover contest winner may visit the company’s corporate social responsibility Facebook portal, Toshiba for Good to participate.  Beginning today through March 10, visitors may watch the finalists’ video submissions and cast a vote for their favorite charity by clicking the Toshiba Helping the Helpers Technology Makeover contest icon on Toshiba for Good.  Voters may vote once per day per charity and can return every 24 hours to cast additional votes.  The winner of the contest will be announced on Toshiba for Good on March 15.

Toshiba Helping the Helpers campaign brings together Toshiba companies operating in the United States, which include Toshiba America Business Solutions, Toshiba America Information Systems, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Toshiba International Corporation and other corporate partners to offer products, services and support for the campaign.

About Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.

Irvine, Calif.-based Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc., (TABS) is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the world’s eighth-largest electronics/electrical equipment company. TABS is a leading managed document services (MDS) provider with experts that help organizations take control of document security, workflow and print environments. With the award-winning Encompass™ managed print services (MPS) program, e-STUDIO™ line of multifunction printers (MFPs), toner products and retail information/thermal printing systems, TABS is leading the way for businesses to print smarter, work safer and conserve resources. For more information on Toshiba solutions and services available in the United States and Latin America, please visit www.business.toshiba.com.