The Adopt a Veteran gift drive is an opportunity for the Marshalltown community to say thank you to the veterans who have given so much for their country. As the 20th annual iteration of the event comes to an end, it is no less relevant now than when it started.
The organizers of the campaign compile Christmas lists from the veterans at the Iowa Veterans Home who may not have loved ones to spend the holiday with, and local residents are encouraged to purchase these gifts for them. Each request is printed onto star shaped cards, which can be found hung in participating businesses and picked up by local shoppers. Once the requested gift is purchased, the gift, along with the star tag, should be returned in a bag to the business where it was originally chosen.
Marshalltown Central Business District Executive Director Deb Millizer and Erin McGregor of McGregors Furniture are now in charge of supporting and promoting the event, but the gift drive was originally organized 20 years ago by Vic and Gayle Hellberg, owners of Hellberg’s Jewelers. The Hellbergs passed the torch to McGregor five years ago.
“I’ve been doing it almost since its inception, and when Gayle decided she couldn’t do it anymore, I was happy to take the reins,” McGregor said.
While the Hellbergs no longer collect the gifts or deliver them, they still participate in the event as one of the businesses handing out the stars.
This year was a resounding success. The stars were out by Veterans Day, but McGregor and Millizer were getting calls about them well before then. Once the stars were distributed to the businesses, they flew out the door, with people adopting one star or multiple stars rapidly. The requests of the vets are often straightforward, which makes it easy to show appreciation for them.
“Some of the wishes are very simple, such as a 12-pack of Pepsi or sweatpants. Just simple things we can provide for them,” Millizer said.
Monetary contributions are also appreciated. There are donation jars available next to the stars at participating businesses. While it hasn’t been an issue in recent years, these contributions have sometimes gone toward purchasing any gifts that were not sponsored. This year, the donations are being used to purchase a $10 Canteen Book, which can be used at the IVH Canteen Store, for each of the 199 IVH veterans who were adopted by the program.
The goal of $1,990 has not been met as of yet, with only around $800 being raised towards the cause. While the gift drive may be over, donations can still be made on the MCBD’s website or their office on Main Street.
A party is generally held to accompany the drive, complete with entertainment and refreshments. Past guests included some of the contributors, as well as Millizer and McGregor. However, due to COVID-19, the get together had to be cancelled for the second straight year in 2021.
In lieu of a party, McGregor will deliver the gifts to be distributed safely by employees of IVH. While McGregor is disappointed that an event can’t be held due to COVID concerns, she is glad the gift drive can still take place.
“They are the reason we have our freedoms today,” McGregor said. “They need to be reminded that we appreciate them.”
McGregor will be picking up the gifts from each participating business this week, and they will be delivered next week. McGregor and Millizer ask that all gifts be returned to the store where the star tag originated no later than Dec. 1.
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Contact Susanna Meyer at 641-753-6611 or
smeyer@timesrepublican.com.