Jackson Center volunteers share love through song on Valentine's Day

For UNC students looking to find love in a hopeless, songless place this Valentine’s Day, Brentton Harrison is here to help.

The Marian Cheek Jackson Center is hosting a Song-a-Gram fundraiser this week. For a donation of $25 for residents in the Northside and Pine Knolls neighborhoods and $45 for Chapel Hill and Durham residents, the center will send someone to sing a song to the person of the donor’s choice.

That singing someone will likely be Harrison, the center’s community action coordinator, whose promotional video on the organization’s website offers a taste of the voice that could be ringing around town today and Friday. Song options include “My Girl” by The Temptations and “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers.

The Jackson Center is a nonprofit working to preserving the history of the historically black, low income Northside community of Chapel Hill.

Freshman Brooke Hess said sheliked the idea.

“I think it’s really corny and kind of cliche and cute,” she said. “If I were to get one, I would want it to be ‘The First Day of My Life’ by Bright Eyes because for me, that song is really nostalgic and sweet and that would show me they really knew me and my music taste.”

Harrison said the event is a way to raise funds but also to get out in the community.

“I am just hoping it brings a smile to their face and gives them joy,” he said.

Harrison is not a professional singer but said he enjoys singing.

“I sing at work all the time while I am working, and my coworkers said I sound pretty good,” he said.

Freshman Rachel Simpson had another idea of how to use the Song-a-Grams.

“I would send ‘Bye, Bye, Bye’ by the Backstreet Boys as a funny way to break up with someone,” she said.

Senior Jordan Paschal said he was not a fan of the idea.

“I would rather just give a donation as opposed to doing something like that,” he said.

Freshman Madison Kearneyliked the Song-a-Gram event but saw room for improvement.

“I like the idea of it, but I think if they did a larger group of singers it would be more interesting.”

Those interested in sending a Song-a-Gram can contact the center or visit its website to register.

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