Music for Lifetime Achievement seeks donations of musical instruments

As they do every October, the not-for-profit organization Music for Lifetime Achievement (MFLA) and the Sheldon Concert Hall are conducting their annual collection drive to gather used and new musical instruments for underprivileged students at St. Louis area schools. Over the past four years, the MFLA instrument drives have collected almost 500 instruments, which have been recycled to kids in St. Louis City and County school districts who otherwise would not have access to an instrument, and to a variety of community music programs.

If you've got an instrument to donate, you can bring it to any concert this month at the Sheldon, or drop it off during normal business hours, which are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday though Friday. If you'd like to help but don’t have an instrument to donate, MFLA is also looking for financial contributions to help pay for necessary repairs of donated instruments and for accessories such as strings, reeds and sheet music.

For more information or to make a donation, call the Sheldon at 314-533-9900 or visit the MFLA Web site. MFLA will provide a "thank you" letter that serves as a tax deduction receipt for the value of the instruments or the funds donated.

MFLA seeks donations of used musical instruments

Speaking of Terry Perkins, in addition to his work in journalism and artist management, he's also involved with Music For Lifelong Achievement, a fine charitable effort that aims to put musical instruments in the hands of students who might not otherwise have access to them. MFLA is beginning its fifth annual drive for donated instruments in September. From the news release:

"This September 7th marks the kickoff of the 5th annual musical instrument donation drive in which St. Louis metro area Starbucks stores will serve as drop-off locations for musical instruments donated to Music For Lifelong Achievement, part of the non-profit Sheldon Arts Foundation based at the Sheldon Concert Hall. The donated instruments will then be repaired and placed in local schools and community music programs serving disadvantaged students who otherwise would not have access to an instrument. The instrument donation drive runs through Sunday, October 14, 2007.

...Over the past four years, the MFLA Starbucks instrument drives have collected almost 500 instruments, which have been recycled to St. Louis City and County school districts and a variety of community music programs...

There are two ways to participate. Used musical instruments, can be donated at any St. Louis area Starbucks location, or, those without an instrument to donate, can make a cash donation to help pay for necessary repairs of donated instruments, as well as accessories such as like strings, reeds and sheet music. MFLA will provide a thank you letter that will serve as a tax deduction receipt for the value of the instruments or the funds donated."

So, if you've got an old musical instrument in the basement, spare room or garage (or know someone who does), here's a chance to put it back into productive use and help some deserving youngsters learn to play and appreciate music. You can find out more or contact MFLA via their Web site.