Marshalltown residents have been through so much in the last two years — a derecho, a pandemic and a tornado. Through it all, people have stepped up and helped each other out, proving they are “Marshalltown Stronger.”

Recognizing that strength, and with a desire to continue to help those in need, the Times-Republican is selling “Marshalltown Stronger” T-shirts with proceeds going to the Marshall County Disaster Recovery Fund. The T-R is also creating a derecho recovery magazine, which will be published in October.

“One month after the derecho, there is still a strong need in the community for relief and recovery efforts,” T-R Publisher Abigail Pelzer said. “We have residents struggling with food and people figuring long-term housing after being displaced. Storm recovery is still very much a daily hurdle for our community.”

Advertising Director Brooke German said it was important for the Times-Republican to stand with Marshalltown.

“We want to give back to the community,” German said. “We are a community newspaper and people turn to us for partnerships.”

The Aug. 10 derecho damaged 2,778 commercial and residential structures and 126 mobile homes. Electricity was lost as power lines and poles were down throughout Marshall County and surrounding areas.

The loss of power stretched out for nine days. Residents lost refrigerators and freezers full of food, which caused an increase in the amount of people seeking help from the Emergency Food Box, the House of Compassion and the Salvation Army.

Numerous home owners had to submit insurance claims for broken windows, damaged roofs, broken fences and more.

Through the T-shirt sales, more money will be deposited in the Disaster Recovery Fund. Community Foundation Executive Director Julie Hitchins said the fund serves as a central location for donations. The money is given to organizations that are helping people with immediate relief and recovery efforts.

Organizations that have received money from the Disaster Recovery Fund so far have been the YSS of Marshall County, Mid Iowa Community Action and the Salvation Army.

“As the local newspaper, our interest is in the community,” Pelzer said. “We will move forward and step up to do whatever we can do that is best for Marshalltown.”

BUY T-SHIRTS

The heather red unisex T-shirts feature the “Marshalltown Stronger” logo, designed by local artist Joe Casey, in adult sizes ranging from small to 2X.

Each T-shirt will cost $20 and can be purchased online at the Times-Republican website.

Orders must be placed before Sept. 25.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.