Local vocal artists Ed Mullen, Eric "Schmitty" Schmiedeknecht and James Watson from the Owl Creek Band have joined forces to organize a local chapter of Guitars Not Guns.

The charity was started by Ray Nelson in San Jose, Calif. He recently relocated to Peachtree City. He was a foster parent and was able to empower foster children through guitar lessons. Thus, Guitars Not Guns was born.

Cobb County has close to 500 foster children and only 111 foster families.  

In efforts to prevent violence and foster self-confidence, Guitars Not Guns is now in the Cobb area and is gearing up to offer guitar lessons to foster children and at-risk youth in the spring.

Classes will average 10 students and three teachers. The chapter is looking for volunteers to teach guitar to those children, who need extra care and attention.

In its infancy, the local program needs donations of guitars and money. If you would like to help, contact Schmiedeknecht, the president of Guitars Not Guns North Georgia, at 678-283-7436 or eschmitty@gmail.com.

If you are considering being a foster parent in Cobb County, visit the Cobb County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.