In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Northern Kentucky-based Willis Music Company has joined forces with the renowned WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour to collect and distribute used musical instruments to victims of Hurricane Helene. This collaborative effort aims to bring the healing power of music to those affected by the devastating floods in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.

Harmonizing Hope Amidst the Chaos

Instrument Donation Drives Across the Region

The Willis Music Company, with its five Greater Cincinnati area stores and one in Lexington, has opened its doors to accept donations of used musical instruments during regular business hours. These instruments will be distributed free of charge to musicians and schools in the flood-ravaged regions, providing a much-needed lifeline for those who have lost their cherished possessions.The WoodSongs Flood Relief Effort, spearheaded by folksinger Michael Johnathon, the host of the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, has been instrumental in coordinating this initiative. Johnathon, a passionate advocate for the power of music, has a long history of organizing similar campaigns to support victims of natural disasters, including the 2022 flooding in Southeastern Kentucky and the 2021 tornadoes in Western Kentucky.

A Community-Driven Collaboration

"Music is a wonderful and giving community, and the musicians affected by the storms of Helene need our help to restore music to the front porches washed away by the floods," Johnathon said, emphasizing the importance of this collaborative effort. "This shows how important hometown music stores are. Willis Music has been a musical partner of WoodSongs for years and unlike national chains, they joined our effort immediately."Paul Finke, the vice president of Willis Music, echoed Johnathon's sentiments, stating, "While WoodSongs is doing the 'heavy lifting,' we have convenient locations throughout the area plus a warehouse to help out with. Many people are really hurting and if we can help in any way to bring just a bit of relief, we're happy to do so. Music brings community and communities together, and we're so blessed to be involved in music as our careers."

The Power of Music in Times of Crisis

The WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a weekly public television and radio show, has long been a platform for showcasing the talents of well-known and emerging musicians. With its reach extending across the United States and even to U.S. military bases around the world, the show has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for music lovers everywhere.Johnathon's dedication to using music as a tool for healing and community-building is evident in his efforts to coordinate these instrument donation campaigns. In the past, he has successfully collected and delivered nearly 2,000 instruments to victims of flooding and tornadoes, ensuring that the power of music remains a constant in the lives of those affected by natural disasters.

Restoring the Rhythm: A Lifeline for Flood Victims

The WoodSongs Flood Relief Effort will continue through January, with Johnathon planning to begin delivering the donated instruments in the spring, once the more urgent needs of food, clothing, and housing have been addressed. This thoughtful approach ensures that the donated instruments can truly make a meaningful impact on the lives of the flood victims, providing them with the tools to rebuild their musical communities and find solace in the universal language of music.Individuals wishing to volunteer or contribute financially to the cause can do so by emailing wfpa@woodsongs.com or making a donation through PayPal to radio@woodsongs.com. Checks can also be mailed to "WoodSongs" at P.O. Box 200, Lexington, KY 40588."This is more than just a good thing to do, it is important," Johnathon said. "Love is the greatest transaction of the arts, and this is a chance to show it." As the flood victims begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives, the generosity and compassion of the music community will serve as a powerful reminder that the rhythm of hope can never be washed away.