Thats an awesome idea. I used to play in an old time band in the mts. of NC. The woman that taught me clawhammer banjo was from the Grayson Highlands area of Va. She also taught guitar,fiddle, dulcimer, bass fiddle and banjo in the Mt. Rogers school. The schools band program was not the horn tootin drum bangin band you think about but rather all the tradional instruments of the area. The program is packed. The kids are very enthusiastic about learning the music and also learning the history that goes along with it.
As far as getting the instruments, I got my China box from an ebay dealer that I think is in the area down there. They always have boxes on ebay and am wondering if they would do a "make just a couple of bucks per unit" deal to help the cause. Email me if you want the ebay dealers name.
Good luck with such a worthwhile project.
Greg

Since you are in the area, and know him, you might try to contact Barry Ancelet. I heard him express interest in doing just this, not the renting part, but teaching local kids local music. At least he has good contacts.

As far as the Hohners go, seems like retuning them is not so big a deal, and they sound pretty darn good retuned. I like this idea a lot. I strongly feel the best way to promote interest in our culture is through the music.