Drum Arizona, a local nonprofit dedicated to healing through rhythm and culture, has achieved its 2024 goal of giving away 1,000 Native American and African Djembe drums to children and adults who have experienced trauma, such as homelessness, foster care, hospitalization, disabilities/special needs or low income.

The project initiative concluded Dec. 31 with a special delivery of handmade and hand-painted Native American drums to Advanced Independence, an organization in Sun City that offers quality care for individuals with special needs as well as dedicated support for their families. They provide a caring environment where loved ones can thrive. Their mission since 2006 is focused on empowering adults with physical and or cognitive challenges, helping them gain the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.

The milestone underscores Drum Arizona’s mission to promote emotional and spiritual healing by connecting people to the transformative power of drumming. Many volunteers from Sun City were responsible for helping Drum Arizona meet this milestone.

“This achievement represents a caring community coming together to bring hope and joy to those who need it most,” said Dr. Lydia Woods, founder and CEO of Drum Arizona. “We’ve witnessed firsthand the power of drumming to restore a sense of belonging, creativity, and self-expression. Reaching this goal is a testament to the strength of collective community compassion.”

Drum Arizona’s efforts spanned various events and partnerships across Arizona. Highlights included drum-making workshops where volunteers created and painted instruments for traumatized children/adults and “create-shops” allowing participants to make their own drums while gifting one to a child in need.

The culmination of the 1,000-drum project was celebrated, by first providing a facilitated Native American drum circle then surprising participants with their own drum to take home. Drums were distributed to adults with special needs, symbolizing the organization’s dedication to inclusion and empowerment through music.

Drum Arizona’s journey to 1,000 drums began as part of its broader mission to use cultural drumming traditions for physical, emotional and spiritual enrichment. Since its inception in 2016, the nonprofit had given away more than 900 drums, touching the lives of children and adults throughout Arizona. This year’s achievement was to reach the 1,000-drum give away mark, a new high point, fueled by grants from the City of Peoria, Glendale Arts and Culture, Surprise, Arizona Commission on the Arts and community donations.

“Each drum we give away is more than an instrument—it’s a symbol of healing and connection,” said Dr. Woods. “We’re so proud to have reached this milestone, but the work doesn’t end here. We’re committed to continuing this mission into the future.”

Drum Arizona plans to expand its outreach in 2025, with a focus on underserved communities and partnerships with local organizations. Dr. Woods also envisions integrating drum-making and drumming programs into the future Sankofa Medicine Wheel Museum and Art Studio, a cultural space she is working to establish in Peoria.

For now, the success of the 1,000-drum initiative stands as a testament to the healing power of drumming and the strength of community.

For more information on Drum Arizona’s programs and how to get involved, contact Dr. Woods at 404-217-2459 or drlydiaw@yahoo.com, or visit drumarizona.org.