As Veterans Day approaches, the Marshalltown Central Business District (MCBD) is taking the final step in its much-loved Military Tribute Banner Campaign: a donation of $825 to Marshall County Veterans Affairs.
Since at least 2021, the banners have honored local service members on light poles throughout downtown Marshalltown, each one sponsored by a family, friend or organization. In 2026, 33 tribute banners were sponsored, and MCBD is donating 10% of banner sales to Marshall County Veterans Affairs. This year’s donation closes out the program.
“The tribute banners gave our community a way to say thank you, one name and one face at a time,” said Danielle Lekin, MCBD Executive Director. “We are grateful to every family and sponsor who took part, and to Kevin Huseboe and Marshall County Veterans Affairs for all they do for local veterans.”
Though MCBD is bidding farewell to the banners, its work with veterans is not done. This week kicks off the annual Adopt A Vet program, which provides holiday gifts for residents of the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH). This year, 83 IVH residents are taking part.
Adopt A Vet was started by Gayle Hellberg and was led for many years by Erin McGregor. MCBD is deeply grateful to Erin for her leadership and her years of service to the program. This year, Adopt A Vet has a new leader: downtown business owner and Navy veteran Matt Gerstandt of Black Tire Bike Company. The program is sponsored by MCBD in partnership with the Iowa Veterans Home.
This week, community members are invited to head downtown to see the tribute banners one last time, grab a star and help support local veterans.
How to adopt a vet
Pick up a star. Stars are available at participating downtown businesses. Each star carries an IVH resident’s number and Christmas wish.
Sign out your star. Leave your name and phone number with the business so they can reach you if needed.
Buy the gift listed on the star.
Wrap it and place it in a holiday gift bag, with the star attached to the bag so the gift reaches the right resident.
Return the gift to the business where you picked up the star by Monday, November 30.
Prefer to give money? Monetary donations can be left in the donation box at any participating business. Donations help support the program.
Volunteers needed
MCBD is also looking for volunteers to help with the Adopt A Vet holiday party at the Iowa Veterans Home on Sunday, December 13, at 3 p.m. Volunteers will help escort residents to the Malloy LRC, pass out cookies and punch, and hand out gifts.
To volunteer or learn more, contact Danielle Lekin at director@downtownmarshalltown.org or 641.844.2001, or visit www.downtownmarshalltown.org.