Do you have an old flute, violin or trumpet in your attic that you will never play again? Is there an instrument tucked away in a closet that your child played while in middle or high school, but no longer uses?

If so, the Murphy Musical Instrument Program, run by the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills needs your instruments.

“If you do not have a used instrument lying around, you can still purchase a new instrument to donate or make a financial contribution so that we can purchase new instruments for beginning music students,” says Chris Dunn, a member of the Kiwanis Club.

In cooperation with Moore County Schools and the Arts Council of Moore County, the goal of the Murphy Musical Instrument Program is to collect used musical instruments from the community, repair them as needed, and donate them, free of charge, to Moore County school children wishing to play an instrument.

The idea for collecting the instruments came from the program’s namesake, Robert Murphy, a notable local musician who plays regularly at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst and a life long resident of the Sandhills.

“Music isn’t a frill,” says Murphy. “It enhances other learning skills, but, all too often, participation is only available for the more affluent students.”

“By donating your used instrument to the Kiwanis Club, you will receive a tax deduction, but more importantly, you will help a deserving Moore County student pursue their interest in the arts and a chance for better performance in school,” says Dunn.

Used instruments or financial donations may be dropped off at The Squire’s Pub (1720 US Hwy. 1, Southern Pines) or at the Arts Council of Moore County (Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines).

With 150 members, the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills each year raises some $45,000 that it uses to fund numerous scholarships and projects to enhance life in the Sandhills primarily for children.