Princeton, NJ (November 17, 2012) -  School of Rock owner Michael Morpurgo performed in venues around the world before discovering the power of teaching kids to play real, live rock shows. Now he uses his three schools to instruct adults and kids aged 7 to 17 on how to rock on stage and in life. Hand in hand with his passion for teaching music,  Morpurgo wants to teach his kids the importance of giving to those in need by partnering with The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County  this holiday season.

"In the past we accepted canned good donations for a local food bank," stated Morpurgo. "The response was so positive, we decided to top what we did last year by accepting non-perishable food donations at all of my schools." During the months of November and December, the Princeton School of Rock will be accepting non-perishable food donations for The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County. The school's goal is to raise as much food as possible for those in need during the holiday season. To inspire charity, Morpurgo has added an enticing twist, "Plus, anyone can come in and redeem their food donation for a free trial lesson on the instrument of their choice."

Carolyn Biondi, Executive Director of the Crisis Ministry is thrilled to partner with The Princeton School of Rock."For many of us, this time of year is filled with good food and celebration with friends and family. It makes the season all the better when we have remembered those in need." stated Biondi. "We are so thankful to the School of Rock for their generosity," she concluded. Added Morpurgo, "We are always looking for ways to partner within our community and look forward to helping families in need."

The Princeton School of Rock teaches guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, drums and combines weekly private music lessons and group band rehearsals to prepare students to take the stage in front of live audiences in an authentic concert setting.  For more information about the School of Rock, call Mike Vlaanderen at 609-890-7090 or e-mail him at mvlaanderen@schoolofrock.com. Plus, check out:http://princeton.schoolofrock.com

The Crisis Ministry is a nonprofit community organization that serves low-income neighbors in need across Mercer County.  They run practical, innovative, caring programs that address: 1) Hunger Prevention - Heart-healthy foods and nutrition education that's accessible to low-income families and seniors, 2) Homelessness Prevention - Housing assistance for clients who qualify: back rent, mortgage assistance, security deposit, and utilities assistance and 3) Workforce Training - Prepares men and women to re-enter the workforce with refreshed skills and guided job search. Find out more at:http://www.thecrisisministry.org  or call Sara Unger at 609-396-5327. For quick responses her e-mail is sarahu@thecrisisministry.org