MARION — With local businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, one local business owner is hoping to spread hope and love while supporting her community.
Luann Krebs, owner of River’s Edge Embroidery, Screen Printing and Signs, has started a community movement for residents to physically and financially support local businesses in the Marion and Bucyrus areas.
Krebs started a #LoveLocal Community Support Tee Shirt campaign to give an opportunity for local patrons to direct money to local businesses. Shirts with the #LoveLocal logo on them are being sold for $20.
When patrons purchase a tee shirt, they will be able to designate a local business to receive $10 of the proceeds.
“It’s a strange time right now,” Krebs said. “People are ordering from restaurants and supporting them that way. I wanted to provide an opportunity to not only try to have a way to run my business, but also support many other businesses as well.”
Krebs said she was inspired by commentary on a local radio station, while trying to think of a way to keep local businesses alive.
“It’s all about being together,” Krebs said. “We want area business owners to feel good and know we see them, hear them and we want to support you. We want them to know they aren’t alone.”
There are no strict restrictions on the orders, as tee shirts may be shipped anywhere, and local orders may be picked up by the customer.
When an order is placed, customers may then designate which business they would like the $10 donation to go to.
The tee shirt order form may be accessed here.
Krebs may be contacted by calling 740-375-8801 or emailing info@riversedge.site.
After the pandemic ends, Krebs said she hopes the focus on buying local continues.
“This could be the perfect wake up call for everyone to think, ‘Am I supporting my neighbor,’” Krebs said. “Am I looking to spend my dollars locally?”