T-R file photo The House of Compassion continues helping people in need of a meal. The meals are carry-out only to prevent a gathering of 10 people or more.

Marshalltown residents are finding ways to help each other during the uncertain situation COVID-19 has created.

Many in the community are struggling with food insecurity after being laid off. In this negative situation, human kindness has been revealed and the community is closer than ever.

When Yelitza Martinez of Marshalltown heard people’s concerns about feeding their children, she decided to help out. She posted a message on Facebook offering to drop off sack lunches to anyone in need.

“I decided to help people because I had the chance to,” Martinez said. “I saw how concerned parents were about not being able to get their kiddos to school and it made me think about all the kids that might not be able to eat if they can’t get to school. And I knew I had to help alleviate some of the concern the parents had.”

In the first few days she delivered 22 lunches and she plans to continue. Martinez said the whole experience has been very positive.

Contributed photo People all across Marshall County are sewing masks to be used by medical professionals after a shortage in masks was reported.

“People have been so kind. I’ve even had people offer to donate money in order for me to buy more groceries to make more lunches,” she said.

People have even reached out to her with offers to help deliver the lunches.

“Every family I’ve delivered to has been so thankful and it makes me so happy that I was able to help them,” she said.

Traci Wright is a substitute teacher in Marshalltown. Since there is no school, she is receiving no income, which she depends on to care for her children.

When Wright was shopping at Fareway on Monday, an employee handed her a gift card an anonymous person bought for her. Her friends have also helped during the isolation.

“I have had a couple other friends give me gift cards and others who have brought food to me so that it’s one less thing I will have to worry about right now,” Wright said. “I am in awe of everyone’s kindness. To say the least I am blessed.”

The Marshalltown community has proven over the last few years that it comes together in times of crisis, caring for those who need it most.

Donations to hospital

Unity Point has seen an incredible outpouring of help when it requested people make masks.

People who would like to help can find the sewing pattern on UnityPoint’s website, www.unitypoint.org/help. After the masks are finished, they should be put in a closed plastic bag or plastic box and brought to either the main hospital entrance or emergency department entrance at UnityPoint health during regular hours. The hospital will then wash and inspect the masks before use.

Nora Byers, volunteer services coordinator at UnityPoint, has been thankful for the community response to the need.

“When I heard that there was a need for masks, I knew that our community would meet that need,” she said. “Within minutes of putting out the request, I already had people contacting me, letting me know they wanted to help out.”

Like many during this time, Byers has noticed how Marshalltown residents take care of those in need.

“I am humbled by the sacrificial giving of people in this community,” she said. “This act lets our staff know that when they are on the front lines, our community is rallying behind them; cheering them on.”

Medical professionals have been busy caring for patients, risking their own health to support this community.

People can also donate to the UnityPoint Health Foundation, which helps buy meals, gift cards, new scrubs and other support. Donations can be made online.

Donations to Veterans Home

The Iowa Veterans Home is continuing to request homemade masks.

Aimee Deimerly, volunteer services coordinator at the Iowa Veterans Home said many people offered help as soon as the need was shared.

“We’ve had a tremendous response,” she said

Deimerly said it is also a good time for monetary donations to the Iowa Veterans Home. Because of COVID-19, residents have not been going on trips outside of the home or having loved ones visit.

“We’re doing more activities in the units, which costs more money,” she said.

Deimerly wanted to thank people for their involvement in helping veterans.

“Thank you so much for the tremendous community support for veterans,” she said.

How to help

March Runner, director of the House of Compassion, said the non profit is continuing to offer services.

“An evening meal continues to be provided Sunday – Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Until further notice all meals will be carry out,” she said.

Runner said people can help out by donating items for the supply closet.

“We need people to keep donations coming into the House of Compassion,” she said. “It is hard to get bulk orders now.”

The most needed items are laundry soap, dishwashing soap, body wash, shampoo, paper towels, toilet paper and baby diapers in all sizes.

Another current need is blood donations. According to the American Red Cross, many blood donation centers are facing shortages after blood drives have been cancelled. The coronavirus cannot be spread by donating blood, but people should be in good health at the time of donation.

While there are many ways to help out, perhaps the most important is to follow the CDC’s guidelines and practice social distancing. While it protects one’s own health, it also mitigates the spread of the virus, which will allow Iowa communities to recover more quickly. 

Contact Anna Shearer at ashearer@timesrepublican.