Operation Love Notes: MP3 Players Provide a Much-Needed Human Touch
We all believe in the healing power of music, but during a global pandemic where social interaction is quite limited, the human touch that music provides is more important than ever. That’s why Do It For The Love created Operation Love Notes, a project in partnership with hospitals and veterans’ homes across the U.S. bringing the healing power of music directly to those who need it most – seriously ill patients and veterans who are now more vulnerable and isolated than ever, as well as the heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic each day.
Jennifer Brusstar, CEO and President of the Tug McGraw Foundation, is focused on enhancing the quality of life for the 800 veterans and veterans’ spouses her foundation supports at the Yountville Veterans Home of California. The Tug McGraw Foundation was started in 2003 to enhance the quality of life for kids and adults diagnosed with debilitating neurological brain conditions, but has since expanded its mission to help veterans improve physical, cognitive, social and spiritual components of their health. She’s been amazed at the comfort her residents have received from Operation Love Notes. “We have a gorgeous 500 acre campus but there is lots of solitude during the pandemic,“ she explained. “All social activities have been taken away to keep the residents safe. In a time of isolation, this project is a great pivot.“
Through Operation Love Notes, DIFTL has curated specific music for veterans of each era, along with a few new genres they may not have heard. For example, World War II veterans feel nostalgic at receiving an MP3 player loaded with big band and jazz, sprinkled with a little country music to explore. This personal touch means a lot. But what is really important, Brusstar said, is “the thought that someone outside of the home has cared for them. They are so touched to hear that outsiders want to do something special for them – something that is so personalized for them.”
The Yountville Veterans Home of California houses veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Though the average age inside the home is around 70, there are people from multiple generations, with myriad views of the world and varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder. “What unites them is the music,” Brusstar explains. The MP3 players are given to someone who has been identified as having a love for music (Brusstar says there are LOTS of musicians inside the home), someone who is interested in music but may not have the means to purchase something like this or simply someone who would benefit from the creativity music provides - in a time where everything has been taken from them.
And from her perspective, there are so many other benefits. Not only does music unite people, but it also helps stimulate the brain. The project is also teaching an older generation about a simple new technology. Brusstar explained, “They don’t have to figure out how to download music because they’re getting it on the MP3 – and they’re learning how to use a new technology, while creating a connection to what they’re listening to.” One veteran, who is frequently seen dancing throughout the home with her MP3 player recently asked, “Could you load more music?” And with that, the healing power of music has taken over.
