NORTH ATTLEBORO - Paper flowers will soon be springing up in downtown shops as a reminder to residents that the real thing won't be far behind - if fundraising efforts are successful.

The historical commission and Downtown Associates of North Attleboro have teamed up to raise money to pay for the 36 flowering planters that hang on lampposts throughout the downtown each summer.

The project, known as "Flower Power," requires $7,200 to pay for the planting and daily watering of the baskets which hang downtown from June through September.

"We're very pleased when we have people come to the downtown and say how beautiful the planters look," said Barbara Boynton of DANA.

To raise awareness about the fundraising effort, artwork created by North Attleboro Middle School students featuring bouquets of flowers will be hung in downtown shops that are members of DANA. The posters were created as part of a contest and the winning design, produced by seventh-grader Rachel Guisti and featuring a square covered with florescent colored flower shapes - will be turned into a T-shirt that will be sold by DANA as part of the fundraiser.

"We had 34 entries and every single one was incredible," said Ann Chapdelaine, chairwoman of the historical commission.

Students from the Attleboro High School greenhouse are also helping with the project by growing the plants for 10 of the baskets.

Money for the flowering planters come solely from donations from local residents and businesses. The North Attleboro Board of Selectmen agreed to help out the effort with a $500 donation from the Walter F. Lyons Trust Fund, at the suggestion of Selectman Paul Belham.

Individuals who donate $1,000 or more will receive the title of Flower Power Hero. Donations of $200 will sponsor one flowering planter and its maintenance for the entire season while $60 pays for one planter of flowers. However, contributions of any amount will be accepted - even spare change, which is being collected in decorative watering cans that will be placed throughout the downtown area.

"Every penny counts," Chapdelaine said. "All of the money raised will go strictly for the watering and maintenance of the flowers."

All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to the Town of North Attleboro Historical Commision Flower Power Fund, 43 South Washington St., North Attleboro, MA, 02760.