Wish Upon a Teen Looking for Musical Instruments

If you have any extra musical instruments laying around, one Birmingham- and Bloomfield-based nonprofit knows a few teens who would appreciate them.

Wish Upon a Teen is currently looking for gently-used and new musical instruments and technology to support their Music and Media program.

Established in 2011, Wish Upon a teen seeks to help teenagers with developmental or medical conditions through interactive social and educational events. The group splits its work among teens in Los Angeles and Detroit, serving two primary groups of teens: those with autism and those living with serious medical conditions, like cancer.

According to Jamie Greene, the groups' Music and Media program serves both those groups, providing the teens with instruments and music lessons, teaching them to express their creativity.

High on the priority list, Greene said, are old high school band instruments, guitars, keyboards and drums, as well as recording gear, laptops and tablet computers.

Originally, Greene said Wish Upon a Teen partnered with Axis Music Academy, but has since backed out of that arrangement.

"Adolescence is a time when any young person is already having a difficult time navigating the world around them," a press release about Wish Upon a Teen reads. "Trying to find themselves, their footing and where they belong. Adding in a life-threatening disease or illness, mental and emotional issues or special needs often compounds the problems even further."

In late November, Wish Upon a Teen hosted their end-of-the-year fundraiser at the Townsend Hotel, alongside Birmingham businesswoman Denise Illitch and former NBA star Jimmy King.

All donated items are fully tax deductible, since Wish Upon a Teen is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. Contact Wish Upon a Teen at 248-792-2938 to arragne times for items to be dropped off or picked up.