Earlier in the season, these veterans were each assigned a number, with the gift requests written on paper stars that were distributed to the following local businesses: Hellberg’s Jewelers, Black Tire Bike Company and Premier Real Estate.

A total of 37 IVH veterans received presents.

The event was started by Vic and Gayle Hellberg.

“It was about finding an event to draw people downtown, and our committee (through the MCBD) thought to reach out to the vets home,” Gayle Hellberg said. “We talked to the commandant about buying gifts for the veterans, but since there were over 500 residents, we thought it would work better to focus on those that didn’t have any family.”

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ The annual Marshalltown Central Business District (MCBD) Adopt A Veteran Christmas Party was held Sunday night at the Iowa Veterans Home. Here resident Sandy Meyer opens her gifts while event coordinator Fauna Nord looks on.

Every year, Hellberg said she continues to be impressed with the outpouring of support.

“It’s fabulous. What a message. I talked to a gentleman who wanted to show me his card from an auxiliary in Maxwell, Iowa that came and got a star and got him a gift. How cool is that?”

The event was co-sponsored by Restore Church, who also provided music for the evening, as well as purchased $20 in IVH Canteen dollars for the recipients.

Resident Sandy Meyer was pleased with her gifts, which included perfume, lotion, candy and clothing.

“It feels good,” Meyer said.

Veterans received gifts ranging from sweatshirts, soda and snacks, chocolate, hats, sports jerseys and video games. Punch, cookies and cake were provided by the MCBD.

MCBD board member and past president Fauna Nord coordinated the event.

“I used to be in the Navy. I’m a vet myself,” she said. “So I find this very rewarding to give back to people that don’t have a lot of family and I really like that the church got involved, too. It’s just to bring joy to all these people and give them a nice Christmas party.”

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at

641-753-6611 or

sjordan@timesrepublican.com