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"The holiday season is a time for giving, joy, and connection. But for many children who are hospitalized with chronic illnesses, it can be a difficult and isolating time," a news release said. "That's where Angelina's Song, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing music and music therapy to children in hospitals, steps in to make a difference."
This December, Angelina's Song is teaming up with Nittany MinitMart for a month-long fundraiser that allows you to help spread joy to hospitalized children. Through Dec. 31, customers can round up their purchases at any Nittany MinitMart location to support Angelina's Song's mission.
By rounding up your purchase at Nittany MinitMart, every cent raised helps fund music therapy grants, scholarships, and other resources that bring light into the lives of children and families during their hospitals stays.
Angelina's Song honors the late Angelina Miele, of Loyalsock Township and Montoursville, through music therapy. Angelina found comfort in music -- from singing before procedures to visits with music therapists.
"While our Angelina was in the hospital, she got a lot of toys and gifts, but what really made her day, every day, and brought her joy was music and sessions with the music therapists," said Nicole Miele, founder and president of Angelina's Song, according to the news release.
Music therapy offers more than just entertainment -- it's a therapeutic tool that can reduce pain, alleviate stress, and bring emotional comfort to children undergoing treatment.
Inspired by her stepdaughter Angelina's experiences, Nicole created Angelina's Song in 2018 to share that joy with children nationwide.
The foundation provides grants to children's hospitals across the country to fund music therapy programs. Angelina's Song partners with Amusement Operators to install TouchTunes jukeboxes and offer them on free play in affiliated children's hospitals nationwide to bring joy and normalcy to their stay. The nonprofit also awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in music therapy, encouraging the next generation of music therapists who will continue to make a difference.
"With locations throughout Pennsylvania, Nittany MinitMart makes it easy to join this heartwarming cause," the news release said. "Whether stopping in for snacks or your morning coffee, you can round up your purchase and make a difference in a child's life."
Readers can support this month-long fundraiser by visiting one of Nittany MinitMart's many locations, including Jersey Shore, Avis, Loyalsock Township, Newberry, South Williamsport, Wellsboro, Muncy Valley and Sonestown, among others.
"Nittany MinitMart's fundraiser is a powerful reminder of how small acts of generosity can significantly impact," the news release said. "With your help, Angelina's Song can continue bringing music's healing power to more needy children, one note at a time."