From time to time, MUSICare Project conducts our own projects or supports efforts to help others. This page features our current and recent projects.
Most recent Project: Children’s book collection
On May 8, 2025, MUSICare Project hand delivered 450 new or gently used children’s books and middle-grade books, along with several dozen new or gently used tote bags (like reusable grocery bags, etc.) and three large plastic storage totes to the 21st Century Packhorse Librarians in South Carolina. These books are all donated by families participating in MUSICare classes and a special collection conducted in conjunction with our friends at Long Live Playtime in Edwardsville. Stay tuned–if the Librarians need more help, we will conduct another collection in the fall!
Who are we helping?
The 21st Century Packhorse Librarians were formed in October 2024 in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Following in the footsteps of the Depression-Era Packhorse Librarians, these modern-day Librarians collect and distribute books to people who lost so much during the widespread destruction of flooding and landslides caused by the storm. Read more about the Librarians here!
Why this project?
The work of the 21st Century Packhorse Librarians has deep meaning for Miss Janine. She was 11 when she experienced the devastation of Hurricane Agnes right here in the Wyoming Valley. Her family home had more than 42 inches of water on the second floor, and her family lost nearly everything except some clothes and the house itself. She remembers like it was yesterday how deeply upsetting and confusing the aftermath of that disaster was, and knows that’s what the children of North Carolina are feeling now. And she knows the spark of hope that came when someone gave her a pre-loved book, something that was just for her when all her other belongings were gone. Miss Janine read that book and reread it, and spent hours imagining new adventures for the characters in the book. That book was comfort, joy, peace, and hope in an otherwise very disorienting time. Miss Janine wants to bring those same restorative feelings to the children of another part of the Appalachians affected by another disaster, just as someone once did for her, and we thank all of you for joining us!