Large areas of our country have recently been hit with some big natural disasters like the floods in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana and tornadoes in Alabama and North Carolina (I’m sure I’ve missed some states and apologize for the omission). Many of us want to help but don’t know exactly what to do and where to do it. Big disaster agencies like The Red Cross certainly do a great job. However, I was looking for a way to help on a more local level. Sometimes I feel like we lose control over where the money goes and whether it actually gets to the people in need, versus going into a big general pot eaten up by administrative costs.

In speaking with James Counts of Counts Brothers Music in Muscle Shoals Alabama, I was moved by his sincere assessment of the damage in his state. I asked James what he thought was the most direct way to help the people in his area. Being in the musical accessories business, I wanted to try and help in this arena. We provide a lot of our products to students and we believe that school music programs are very important in shaping young lives for the positive.

James sent me this letter from Bobby Patrick, Band Director of The Phil Campbell High School in Phil Campbell Alabama. Click here to read it. Phil Campbell Letter (Please be patient. It takes a minute to download.)

They were hit hard in terms of lives lost, which can never be replaced. Their supply of instruments, accessories and equipment for their band program was wiped out. I read the letter and, bingo, I knew this is how I wanted to help. Attached is the letter. If anyone is looking for a way to help, here is good one. I chose the Phil Campbell High School in Alabama because it was presented to me by a good man and I know that my contributions will go directly to the band program.

We all wish we could do more, but as simple as it sounds, every little bit helps. I believe it’s not only the money but the moral and psychological support that will help them move forward from this tragedy. Let’s do it.