I can understand that, but arguably is just a way, for Apple, to sell new computers instead of giving the opportunity (for still usable ones) to keep it going.
Will it be possible to use an enclosure for your HD and recover your files ? or use a Pci usb card to do the same.
In last resort, can a school be interested ?
I collected a Beige a couple of weeks ago, don't needed a Beige either and was collected mainly because was loaded with 3 x 256 Mo sticks.
I probably will keep it now, as Panther was quite easy to install with the help of Xpostfacto, Panther is far superior to Jaguar for many things (including hardware compatibility)