I was grateful when I found Oz's music online. I volunteer in Flint 1/week, and help run a kid's…read moreprogram there during the summer. I will share about outreach there, with enthusiasm, whenever given the chance. As a result, I have been the recipient of many a donated items to benefit the Flint community.
So recently someone who heard about the outreach gave me a guitar, a case, a bunch of new picks, and a set of replacement strings. What a gift! Now I just needed a tuner, capo, guitar strap, and guitar stand to complete the package! I did a quick search for a music store near me (I started by searching for "Guitar Center" - but it was a farther distance than I had time to travel), and I found Oz's music.
I arrived 20 minutes before closing - expecting that I might not be a welcomed site if it had been a long day for whoever was inside. I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Sean, and invited to specify what I needed, and have a look around. Here's the kicker - I'm a Catholic religious sister who took a vow of poverty, I don't carry cash and I don't have access to lots of flexible funds. So when I glanced at the prices of the strap (a meager range $25-$45) I got a bit nervous. I'm used to second-hand store purchases with the very rare single item going above the $8 mark.
So, I thought I'd ask if there was an option for items to be donated. I introduced myself, shared briefly about what the items would be supporting. And pulled out an ever-handy postcard we had just printed at my church to help get folks involved. Sean was very encouraging, and told me I should talk with Leslie, who would be in the next day. I thanked him and left.
When I came back to the store (two days later, due to inclement weather) Sean spotted me before I came in, opened the door for me, and greeted me by name! I had the guitar this time, which he examined, tuned, and strummed a bit, giving me an appraisal of its quality. Meanwhile Leslie thanked me for sharing the postcard, and asked how what I needed. I was so taken by their readiness to support the mission that I (only) managed to ask for a strap, tuner, and capo! Gratefully, they were happy to support the work in Flint.
Sean installed an additional knob on the body of the guitar, so the strap would not need to be tied around the neck. I was in & out within 20 minutes. They were helpful, encouraging, generous, and I hope for more chances to work with them again. Reader, got any guitars you want to share? ;)
Blessings!