Saving Lives One String At A Time

March 30, 2012 in Creativity, Dreams, Life with 19 Comments

Photo by Laura Wilson/Strings For Hope
It can often be overwhelming to turn a dream into reality. Moving from the idea stage to actually making a difference in the lives of others. I find inspiration from those who are changing the world in a positive way. On that note, I would like to share an interview I did with Laura Wilson, the founder of a non-profit organization, Strings For Hope. This organization takes used guitar strings and turns them into jewelry. The proceeds then go to fighting hunger.
Jim Woods (JW:) How did you come up with the idea of Strings for Hope?
Laura Wilson (LW:) I was intrigued by some guitar strings I saw land in the trash at the music store. I thought it was horrible to see wire with such great qualities on its own headed for the landfill. I pulled a few strings out of the trash and minutes later, a bracelet was born.
JW: When someone purchases some jewelry, what do the proceeds go to?
LW: Our goal is to fund food distribution centers, medical clinics, and schools in underserved areas both regionally and globally. Currently we are working with the local food bank to serve our own community plus a school based program in Honduras and another one in Kenya.
JW: Why did you choose to fight hunger?
LW: I’d heard our pastor talk about the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In the story the master handed over his wealth to his servants before going away on a trip. To the one he had given the most went out and doubled his wealth. I have this freakishly blessed life. I have a wonderful family and a day job that lets me be creative and celebrate the huge geek in me. And it does a great job in paying the bills. I have much to be grateful for. So the story about the talents made me think about what I could do to multiply the talents in my life.
JW: Have you been able to connect with any Nashville musicians?
LW: We’re ramping up in that regard. We have a number of songwriters and local musicians already on board. In addition we’d love to partner with some national touring bands. I get a little giddy when I think about having a Grammy winner or two who have a Strings for Hope bracelet.
JW: What can guitarists all over do to help?
LW: Actually, we take used strings of ANY kind – guitar, bass, violin, banjo, mandolin. I’ve even had strings from a piano sent in! We are always in need of more. It doesn’t matter the type or condition – we can use them all! I’ll arrange pickup in the Nashville area but for those in other areas, contact me at stringsforhope@gmail.com for a shipping address.
JW: Is there anything else you would like to share?
LW: One of my favorite things is creating a custom order. I’ll turn your strings into a personalized piece of jewelry designed just for you. You can support Strings for Hope at our website www.stringsforhope.com and we’d love for you to LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stringsforhope.This summer you’ll find us at music festivals such as the Agapefest and the Nashville Earth Day Festival and many others.
I’d just like to thank Laura for this great interview. I love that her creativity is being used to help fight world hunger.
As a special bonus, Laura is generously giving away one set of jewelry including 1 bracelet, 1 necklace, and 1 ring. (value $52). I will choose one lucky person who leaves a comment.
Is there something you can do to help others? 
 

 

Pin It
  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    I love how Laura saw something others seen as junk and made something beautiful out of it. The piece in the picture is stunning.

    I help others by volunteering at our youth group. There are so many kids that need help and so few willing to give them their time. It’s not always rewarding, but it is making a difference.

  • http://twitter.com/tdiddy1234 Todd Foley

    LOVE stories like this. It’s so inspiring to hear someone channeling their artistry toward something of eternal value.

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Absolutely Todd! I couldn’t agree more. I think it is really something we ALL need to do. 

  • Sindy Lee

    Love it! Wear my guitar-string ring I got in DT Franklin all the time. Is that where you guys sell? In that store with all the artsy-crafty stuff? 

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Laura sells her products at the Loft at Henpeck Village, and a couple other stores in the Nashville area. I’ve never been to that store, but it sounds like that is the one in Downtown Franklin.
      http://stringsforhope.com/4.html

  • Febardin

    what a great idea! i’ll have to tell my husband about it and have him save his strings!

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Absolutely! I know Laura does pickups all over the Nashville area and its a win-win b/c every string that goes to her cause fights hunger and stays out of the landfill. 

  • lori

    That is awesome. I would to get this set for my daughters 15th birthday April 6th which is also good Friday. She is w musician self taught she loves get guitars. We also are all about fighting hunger at our church so I commend you. My daughter is lead singer and guitarist for our praise team made up of 3 teenagers. They are awesome and are planning to put on a benefit to raise money for our Bread n Word dinner we have every Thursday at our church. Please consider her for this gift.

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      You are entered Lori. I’ll announce the winner on Monday. Thanks!! 

  • Shelly R.

    Love the idea. Taking something like that and turning it into jewelry produces something that has a lot of meaning and a story to it. 

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Especially if it is say your Grandpa’s guitar strings or something like that. Wearing a piece of family history is a really cool idea! 

  • Michelleatx

    This is a tremendous idea! I believe helping people should start in your own community and then branch out from there. You don’t need to go to other countries to see people who are hungry or sick–they’re right in your town, too. Whether it’s donating canned goods, leaving your spare change in a donation box, or buying the guy on the corner a Happy Meal, there are plenty of ways to help.

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Good call Michelle. Don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture, just do something in a small way. The small things add up to big things! 

  • http://rebootingworship.com/ Jamie Kocur

    I LOVE this. What an awesome idea. I’ll hang onto my guitar strings next time I change them. 

    Is there something I can do to help others? There’s always something, even in the little things. I’d love to have a creative idea like this that could benefit people. Got my wheels turning.

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      You are going to come up with something awesome Jamie! You have focus, stubbornness (in a good way) and determination. I just know you will come up with something great!

  • Debbie

    A wonderful example of how the creative mind of one caring individual can impact so much and so many. Recycling strings to save waste in our landfills, creating a lasting work of art and beauty, and feeding the hungry/saving lives by doing so. So inspiring and amazing when you think of it all coming full circle… from one idea. Wishing Laura and her organization HUGE success!! 

  • http://chrystalmurphy.com/ Chrystal

    What a great idea! And, bravo to Laura for using her talents to help others. Very inspiring.

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      I agree! I find myself very inspired from this story. Remember Chrystal, as a writer you are still using your talents to help others too.

      • http://www.stringsforhope.com/ Laura

        It’s an honor to be friends with you guys!  It’s great to be able to gather enery from people like you!