Do you have a guitar to donate? Warren Henry Music is proud to offer donated guitars to our soldiers deployed over seas through the USO. I will be signing Love You More Than You Know at this event on Friday, April 22 from 11:00-1:00 pm. A local band, Joey Ariemma Band will also be playing. Join the fun and support our troops.
APRIL 22 / FRIDAY
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Warren Henry Music-book signing
City: Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022
Address: 49 W.Orange Street
A locally owned music store in Chagrin Falls, Ohio does more than just talk about their motto of “musicians helping musicians”. They help put songs in the hearts of deployed soldiers by sending them donated guitars.
“We have teamed up with the USO for this service project. Bring in any guitar that has been sitting unused to donate, and we will clean-repair-restring it as needed. Then the USO will help us get the instrument to a deployed service member from NE Ohio at no charge to them. Your old guitar will never be more appreciated than in the hands of someone so far from home. What better could there be way to say “thank you” and spread the gift of music! We are also accepting cash donations to pay for accessories like extra strings.”
Give the gift of music and bring your used guitars, gathering dust in your closet, to Warren Henry Music, 49 W Orange St. Chagrin Falls, Ohio or phone 440-247-0300. You will leave with a song in your heart for having helped our courageous servicemen and woman so far from home.
Ralph & Noel Burr (left side) Michele Chapdelaine, (back row right side) Kathy O'Donnell, Brian Walrath
It’s 2pm on Monday. I open the door and walk inside the room. Music plays quietly in the background. Five volunteers sort donations at the USO site in Brainbridge, Ohio.
Michele Chapdelaine says, ” I’m here in Jeff’s honor. My son serves, and I joined the USO so I can serve. ” Michele’s son, Jeff is currently deployed to Afghanistan.
Noel Burr, author of “What’s a Mother to Do?” in Love You More Than You Know, and her husband Ralph, a retired Army Colonel, help run this site. Noel and Ralph started packing boxes at the Chagrin Falls Armory in 2003 when their daughter Kathy was deployed to Kuwait. These parents continue to be involved with the USO. Noel says, “It makes us feel connected.”
Kathy O’Donnell told me her husband, Admiral Bill O’Donnell, was in the Reserves for 32 years. “I volunteer at the USO because I’m an American and want these guys and gals to be taken care of !
Brian Walrath carries boxes into the room. “I was one of those kids 40 years ago and thought I would do something for these kids today.”
Thank you to these volunteers and all those who give back by supporting our troops. Donations for this USO site can be dropped off at Highway Garage, 8410 E. Washington, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023. There is a box inside the door marked “Donations”. Highway Garage is open weekdays 8:30am-6pm; Sat 9am-12pm.
Note: Noel says,” All we need is an address and the estimated date of returning home. We love what we do. Donations of toiletries and snack foods gratefully accepted. Anyone can stop by and see what we do on Mon or Wed at 2pm to 3pm.”
Love You More Than You Know 