South Jersey teen musician helps the homeless with ‘Loops of Love’

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “Six years ago, we came out of a restaurant we were at and had leftovers,” said Isabella D’Agostino. “And we saw this man on the street and offered him something to eat because he looked like he needed it.”

Now 16, from Linwood, New Jersey, he may have been too young to understand the concept of homelessness. But with her mother’s help, she learned to become an advocate for those who had to endure it.

“From that moment I was like, wow, it feels good to help people,” said D’Agostino.

She and her mother founded Loops of Love, a nonprofit focused on donating knitted hats and other essentials to those in need.

D’Agostino is also a competent student and musician, enrolled in both the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She plays piccolo for the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra.

And her weekly walks to orchestra rehearsal give her the opportunity to fulfill Loops of Love’s mission.

“When we see people who are in need, we give out these bags,” D’Agostino said. “And I think it’s nice to see that there are people who appreciate the little things in life.”

Maxine Major, 63, was grateful to have received one of D’Agostino’s Loops of Love bags today. Each is filled with food, a water bottle, and a knitted hat.

“These items are useful. You can’t get money to buy nothing,” Major said. “God bless her and tell her to move on.”

Also impressed with D’Agostino’s non-profit organization is her orchestra leader and director, Rosalind Erwin.

“I’m always amazed at what young musicians can achieve when they are properly instructed and come on stage with the right enthusiasm,” said Erwin. “Or backstage, of course in Isabella’s case.”

To learn more about Loops of Love, visit their website.

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