Veterans of Foreign Wars member Gary Long, right, of Marshalltown was doing brisk business distributing buddy poppies Thursday morning at the Hy-Vee grocery south entrance. He was joined by fellow member and volunteer Gerry Kremer at the north entrance. The two said many residents had made free will donations, which helps pay for VFW veterans assistance programs. “Marshalltown strongly supports veterans, which is appreciated,” said Long. The distribution continues today and through noon Saturday at Hy-Vee and Walmart.