ODD FELLOWS' IPLAY INSTRUMENT PROGRAM ENTERS ITS SECOND YEAR OF HELPING LOCAL KIDS

Mountain Home Lodge #19 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is entering the second year of its IPLAY program. IPLAY, or Instruments Provided to Local Area Youth, is a non-profit program aimed at providing Mountain Home's beginning band students with musical instruments that they can use throughout their junior high and high school band careers free of charge.

The IOOF is proud of its IPLAY program and the success it has reached so far. Last August, one enthusiastic 7th grader from Mountain Home Junior High was selected to receive an IPLAY clarinet, and has been enjoying it ever since. As an IPLAY recipient, this student will be able to practice with and use his clarinet until he graduates high school. At that point, the instrument will be returned to IPLAY so that another young music lover may benefit from the program.

Although awareness of the program is increasing, more parents need to be informed of the benefits of IPLAY. Being selected to receive an instrument eliminates the need to buy or rent an instrument for your student throughout the school year. Each IPLAY instrument is cleaned and inspected prior to being presented to the student, and with proper care, the instrument also will be available to be kept at home over the summer for practice. All of these benefits are free of charge to the recipient and their family. IPLAY will also cover normal wear-and-tear costs. Lastly, IPLAY recipients will receive a discount on their instrument's accessories from local music business, Monkeyman Music.

To receive an instrument, a simple application form must be filled out and turned in during each announced application round. Applications will be made available through Mountain Home Junior High's band instructor, Mr. Jerry Tippets, or any Mountain Home IOOF member. Application rounds will occur at the start of each new school year, with additional rounds during the year if instruments and funds are available. During each round, one or more beginning band students will be chosen to receive a musical instrument furnished by IPLAY. The number of selected students is based on the availability of instruments, which varies from year to year. Therefore, the donation of new or gently used band instruments is always greatly appreciated, as it increases the number of students IPLAY can help each year.

So how can you help IPLAY get these instruments to our kids? It's easy - donations of instruments, funds, or even your own time at one of our fundraising events are each great helps. All proceeds are applied directly toward the program, and therefore the kids.

Lastly, IPLAY would like to thank local businesses Monkeyman Music, MPS Home & Personal Electronics, and Wondertrail, who have helped by setting up donation jars, fliers, and/or offering IPLAY discounts. Please show your support by stopping by these businesses and saying hello!

IOOF Mountain Home Lodge #19 thanks you for your support of IPLAY. Anyone interested in learning more about the program, donating, sponsoring, participating in the fundraiser, or in becoming a member of the IOOF, may do so by contacting Kathryn Smith at 208-995-9989.