Pistacchio ecstatic with Red Nose Day fundraising efforts

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To say that Kristy Pistacchio doesn’t mind being second would be an understatement.

For Pistacchio, who manages the Walgreens store at the intersection of Plainfield Street and Atwood Avenue in Johnston, it’s all about helping to lift children out of poverty.

“I have two healthy children,” Pistacchio said. “It really bothers me when we all see children in need … living in less than normal conditions. That’s the main reason why Red Nose Day is my favorite event.”

Red Nose Day is Walgreens’ annual campaign that aims to help eliminate child poverty. Team Pistacchio-Walgreens Johnston was five noses shy from winning the national chain’s regional prize for selling the most red noses.

“It isn’t about our team winning,” Pistacchio said. “I love seeing children helping other children and learning some may not be as fortunate as others. Red Nose Day, especially at our [Johnston] schools, is really a heart-warming and educational experience for everyone.”

This year, Walgreens extended its annual fundraising campaign, and as Pistacchio said: “The results are in. Walgreens raised over $40 million in 2019. In the last five years, the company has raised over $190 million to help end child poverty.”

Locally, Team Pistacchio-Walgreens reached its goal of raising $5,000. That was due, in part, to the generosity of what Pistacchio emphasized was “the many great people throughout our Johnston community and schools.”

She also heaped words of praise on Bar 101, which hosted Red Nose Ladies Night for the third time in as many years.

“I also want to thank the many vendors who came to Ladies Night, especially Melanie Dimascolo from Mel D’s Bling & Boutique, who ran a Red Nose Bingo for us,” Pistacchio said.

Pistacchio explained that Walgreens in Johnston sold 2,228 red noses, which cost $2 this year as opposed to $1 in past years. The store raised $2,852 in cash donations. In 2018, the local campaign raised a total of $5,143 in donations, while the 2017 drive hauled in $4,484.

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