As the holiday season draws to a close, we're left making room for all the shiny pretty gifts we've received. And, for many, this means letting go of some things we no longer need. For some items, like clothing, it's pretty easy to donate to a worthy cause. But, what about your old iPod? It doesn't have a great resell value and, more often than not, it just ends up collecting dust in a shoebox with your collection of mysterious USB wires.
One non-profit, Music & Memory, is trying to take that old iPod and use it in truly transformative ways. This innovative organization collects old music players and uses them to bring music therapy to those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. Our brains work in mysterious ways, and sometimes music can tap into emotions and memories in a different way.
On their website, Music & Memory claims that "musical favorites tap deep memories not lost to dementia and can bring residents and clients back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize and stay present." Check out the video to see the organization in action (fair warning, you will not make it through dry-eyed). Want to help out? You can donate your iPod right here.