Record-Breaking Year for Rummage RAMPage

Published on August 12, 2025

AMES, Iowa – The ninth annual Rummage RAMPage, held in partnership with the ISU Office of Sustainability, raised a record amount of revenue for 51 non-profit organizations staffing the event. The nine-day community rummage sale was held Friday, July 25, through Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave.

Rummage RAMPage raised $72,641, significantly higher than the 2024 total of $62,400. The sale found new homes for 131,434 pounds of furniture and housewares, which represents a small decrease from the 132,782 pounds diverted in 2024. An impressive 51 non-profit groups volunteered for the event, and each agency will share the proceeds based on the hours of volunteer time.

Over the nine years of the event, more than 996,000 pounds of material have been diverted from the landfill and $357,495 has been raised for area non-profit agencies. Rummage RAMPage has developed a huge community following, and the event success is dependent on continued community support of donations, purchases, and volunteers. The event spans two weekends to better meet the needs of those moving into new apartments.

Because many leases in Ames terminate at the end of July, relocating Iowa State University students and community members often discard items that may still be usable. During these weeks, the City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant (RRP) often sees an influx of couches, wooden furniture, clothing, and more as renters attempt to meet their move-out requirements.

Due to the success of the event, organizers are already planning to hold Rummage RAMPage 2026. The dates have been set for Friday, July 24 through Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.

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