Now that you mention it, I think the idea might be inspired by what Dolly Parton does with her reading program. A child can sign up and the program will send them books for free. Considering music and arts funding don't seem to be high priorities in modern US systems (my perspective, could be wrong) having a low-cost or charitable music version sounds like it fits nicely too.

Honestly I'm pulling up memories now of watching other people's kids over the years playing with various music stuff I've handed over (Korg Monotron synths were the biggest hit) and those are really pleasant to recall!