Fundraising by the pound has proved to be a successful formula for the Johnston School Music Association (JSMA) and the group is now hoping to best past years’ results.

The school-based organization which raises money for student music scholarships recently launched its 2025 clothing and soft goods drive.  Under the recycling initiative, which is a partnership with the Savers thrift store chain, the association receives 20 cents for every pound of clothing, linens and other soft goods it donates.  And this year they have added books, which will earn 5-cents per pound from Savers.

The funds earned from the collection drive will go towards the Rachel E. Carson Scholarship Fund and the school music association’s other scholarship awards.  Last year, the association gave out nine scholarships totaling nearly $5,000.

“We started this event years ago as a way to keep Rachel’s Scholarship going in perpetuity and as a way to honor the person she was,” said Ronald Lamoureux, chair of the music department at Johnston High School.

“We (the JHS music faculty and JSMA) are all happy to help the students appreciate recycling efforts and giving back to the school community.” 

Donations will be excepted over the next week or so, Lamoureux said, and the goods are scheduled to be delivered to Savers in Warwick on March 13.

Students and their families, and members of the community are encouraged to bring in any soft goods and books they are not using.  (Soft goods include clothing, towels, pocketbooks, curtains and blankets.)

Hardcover and softcover books will be accepted but not textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias.

The collection campaign has brought in more than 10,000 pounds of clothing the past few years, Lamoureux said, and they are aiming for two tons (including the books) this year.

He said the music association is grateful for the support it has received from Paul Shabo at Atwood Carwash and Neighborhood U-Haul on Atwood Avenue.  Shabo donates whatever vehicle is needed to get the goods to Savers.

To make it easier for members of the community to participate, a drop-off site will be set up at the high school (on the auditorium side) this Saturday, March 8, from 9 am to 1 pm.  Student volunteers will come right to the vehicles, so donors do not have to even leave their cars, Lamoureux said.

The association is also looking at the possibility of arranging pick-ups.  For more information on how to donate, Lamoureux can be contacted at rlamoureux@johnston schools.org or by calling 401-233-1920, ext. 2102.