WS Chronicle

With budget cuts and teacher shortages, music and arts programs in Forsyth County schools lack the support needed for students. But music classes at Diggs-Latham Elementary School in Winston-Salem received the gift of music through a donation of more than 100 musical instruments and a check for $2,000 during an assembly on Sept. 27.

National Pawn has a longstanding tradition of supporting youth music programs in every county that is home to one of its stores, with 2019 marking its ninth annual donation. Since 2010, the company has donated over 3,700 instruments and $66,000 in cash to 24 public performing arts programs in Alamance, Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, New Hanover and Wake counties.

Bob Moulton and N.C.-based National Pawn donated the instruments and funds to students during an assembly on Sept. 27 at Diggs-Latham Elementary School. This is the eighth year for these donations to local schools in the state of North Carolina.

Founder Bob Moulton’s strong passion for giving back is fueled by his own experiences. As a child, Moulton loved music and longed to join the middle school band, but was unable due to his family’s financial strains. His mom, a thrifty shopper, eventually purchased a trumpet at a yard sale, which allowed Moulton to live out his musical dreams. He credits his experiences in band with helping him develop both a sense of self and sense of collaboration, which he still uses decades later. As a successful business owner, Moulton is committed to giving back to these North Carolina communities and specifically supporting music programs to help all children enjoy the gift of music and the valuable life lessons it can teach. 

“When we first began donating instruments to schools nine years ago, we had no idea just how great the needs in North Carolina schools would be,” said Bob Moulton, founder of National Pawn. “Every year, we are touched by stories from teachers, parents and students themselves about how these instruments inspired a love of learning and sense of community with fellow classmates. It’s an honor to provide Diggs-Latham Elementary School students with these resources, and we look forward to continuing to support these programs for years to come. ”