In the United States, nearly every county has rescue and adoption agencies, but Medina County boasts a unique initiative: it rescues musical instruments instead of animals.
The Western Reserve Instrumental Rescue and Adoption is the brainchild of Doc Loomis, whose family has deep roots in Medina County, having settled in the Wadsworth/Granger area in 1815. Growing up in Granger, Loomis cherishes his experiences as a musician and band member, and he was thrilled when his granddaughters chose to pursue instrumental music in school.
However, Loomis soon discovered the high costs of renting instruments and learned about a single mother who had lost her job and was struggling to afford one for her children. Moved by this, he sought to help.
“There are many former musicians who have instruments tucked away in closets, unsure of what to do with them. I often see them for sale online, and I decided to collect, clean, and repair these instruments to give to families in need,” he explained.
Loomis initially approached several school districts to see if they would accept donations, but their lack of interest led him to establish the Western Reserve Instrument Rescue & Adoption organization. He aims to gain nonprofit status when he has the time to apply but currently relies on donations. If someone requests an instrument he doesn’t have, he purchases it himself.
“One of our donors recently asked what happens to the instruments when they arrive,” Loomis said. “Typically, we check for repairs and cleaning needed. Our goal is to send out a clean and fully functioning instrument every time. What was once an office has now become the recycling corner of our home.”
A recent example is a flute he received that appeared ready to play at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, Loomis found that the pads, small circular components that cover the tone holes, needed replacement to ensure an airtight seal and accurate sound production. Loomis plans to handle this project and cover the costs himself, which can be challenging for a small-town pastor.
The organization’s Facebook page outlines its mission: acquiring used band instruments and providing them at no cost to elementary, middle, and high school students across Northern Ohio. The page includes the motto, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!”
Currently, Loomis serves as the pastor of Remsen Christian Church, close to his childhood home in Granger Township, where he learned to play various instruments. He earned his bachelor of fine arts in scenic design from Baldwin-Wallace College and worked on designs for shows in New York, Opryland, and the Grand Ole Opry, where he met his future wife, Ellen.
In 1981, Loomis felt a calling to the ministry, starting in his childhood denomination, the Disciples of Christ, and later serving as a bishop in the Anglican Mission, which took him to countries around the world.
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