Cal Phil instrument donations

The California Philharmonic is conducting a toy drive befitting the orchestra. Cal Phil’s “Be Instrumental” Holiday Haul

Donors are encouraged to drop off or send unwrapped toy instruments and other music themed items to the Cal Phil office located on the Promenade of Westfield Santa Anita at 400 South Baldwin Ave, Suite 2160, in Arcadia from now until Dec. 18. The musical instrument toy drive benefits under-served and formerly homeless children who currently reside at Euclid Villa in Pasadena. For every donation, Cal Phil will reciprocate with a $25.00 gift certificate.

“Cal Phil firmly believes in the power of music in children’s lives and we are stepping up our efforts by launching our “Be Instrumental” initiative which promotes educating and inspiring children through music,” said Cal Phil Maestro Victor Vener. “Cal Phil will collect the gifts and personally deliver them to deserving children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to music in a tangible way.”

Currently there are children ranging from one-year-old to age 18 living at Euclid Villa that Cal Phil will present with the donated gifts.

“Union Station Homeless Services is excited and appreciative that children residing at Euclid Villa will be recipients of Cal Phil’s Be Instrumental Holiday Haul this year,” said Rabbi Marv Gross, Union Station Homeless Services CEO. “We provide a comprehensive range of services to help homeless families become self-sufficient and gain the skills, stability and confidence they need to secure permanent housing. The gift of music to less fortunate children will undoubtedly enhance their holidays and in most cases their lives.”

Cal Phil plans to continue the “Be Intrumental” campaign year-round as is evident with the highly-anticipated Cal Phil 2012 Festival on the Green concert series at Santa Anita Park.

— By Scott Hettrick