Group collecting musical instruments for students

An organization that collects and refurbishes musical instruments is seeking donations to give to underprivileged local students.

Acoustic for a Change has given refurbished instruments to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and the Glennwood House, a Laguna housing community for young adults with developmental disabilities, as well as several other south Orange County locations, organization founder Arturo Echarte wrote in an email.

Echarte, a musician who splits his time between Southern California and Florida, started Acoustic for a Change with his wife, Susan, in 2007.

“So many students have instruments collecting dust at home that other students would cherish,” he said. “We serve as the complete administrators of the program, from contacting donors to finding recipients.”

Acoustic for a Change has drivers who will meet donors at an agreed-upon location, according to the organization’s website. Music stores are also used as drop-off places for instruments.

The group also provides music lessons for underprivileged children and free live entertainment and event-planning guidance for charity fundraisers.

For more information, visit acousticforachange.com.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce