Paying it forward: Free instruments given to students on Long Island

MELVILLE, Long Island (WABC) -- 'Tis the season to give and for a man on Long Island, he gives the gift of music all year long.

Robert Murphy, the man behind Murphy's Music in Melville sells and services stringed instruments, but what he's really known for is his big heart.

He gives instruments to students for free.

** Click on video above for inspiring story **

Helen Galverson is a volunteer from the North Fork Spanish Apostolate. It's an organization that helps to empower immigrants.

Galverson shared the story of a student who had a violin stolen. When Murphy heard about it, he presented the student with a violin. He later upgraded it, and then even gave her sister a violin.

"If something has been given to you, you're so much more likely to turn around and think what can I do for somebody else. All of us should go and give, in whatever way we can," Galverson said, as she was holding back tears.

Murphy also believes it is important to give back.

"Why not? I think everybody in business, in a retail kind of business can do it, and you should. It's pretty much how I see it. So you can sell the stuff you have too much of for a tiny bit of money? or just give it to people in need," Murphy said.

Over the summer, he gifted five more students with violins and guitars.