As an arts organization, Young@Heart wants to do more than provide entertainment. We are committed to improving and enriching the lives of our community’s most vulnerable members.

The one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s devastation of Puerto Rico just passed. We are constantly reminded of how dire the situation in Puerto Rico has been and continues to be, and we are aware that the Pioneer Valley is a major destination for recently displaced families from the island. For example, Springfield enrolled 590 new students within four months of the hurricane, according to Superintendant of Schools Lydia Martinez.

In concert with community partners, Young@Heart is collecting donated cold-weather jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, and kids toys from our fans for these families, our new neighbors, at our Mashup Concert on October 21 at the Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main St, Northampton. Donations can also be dropped off between now and October 21 at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St in Northampton Mon-Fri 8-5pm and at Greenfield Savings Bank's Northampton King St, Hadley Rt 9, and Amherst University Drive branches.

Donated items should be clean, unwrapped and in very good or “like new” condition. All sizes, male and female, are appreciated. Those not attending the concert are still urged to drop off their donations at the Academy of Music from 2-5pm on Oct 21 in the large truck stationed at the entrance, or at our other drop-off locations between now and Oct 21. Volunteers will be there to assist. For more information about the clothing drive, please email Mark Guglielmo admin@youngatheartchorus.com