City of Marshall issued the following announcement on Dec. 3.
2020 has been a tough year for a lot of people. Some folks have struggled to survive, especially small local shops and restaurants. We know it’s convenient to buy things on Amazon or other online services. Wearing a mask when shopping, having to socially distance, and waiting for your turn to get to the register seem like unpleasant chores. Still, some things are worth the effort, and keeping our local stores busy and open is well worth it.
We want everyone to stay safe and healthy this holiday season, but our local shops still need our support. Our local restaurants have toughed it out, many of them pivoting to more take-out and delivery than they ever did in the past, and they are still here and ready to serve us.
We know that the big box stores may not see the revenue of past years, but they will likely survive this less than stellar season. Most of them have an online presence too and big sales days. But our small, mom and pop shops and restaurants need us to survive. We would be lost without them and so would the people who come to visit Marshall to enjoy all the wonderful things about our town.
Christmas Eve is 21 days, a mere three weeks away. Soon, 2020 will be in the rearview mirror, and we are all hoping and praying for a better 2021. So, let’s do what we can to come together as a community for these final weeks of this challenging year and make this Christmas and holiday season one that reflects our true Marshall spirit. Let’s spend our gift money at the stores that make us who we are. Let’s get coffee and lunch in the local cafes and restaurants while we are browsing for unique gifts for the special people in our lives. Grab dinner out or order take-out, so you have more time to shop. Support our restaurants. This year has not been easy, but they are still here to serve us and make us proud to be from a great town like Marshall.
A fun way to shop and maybe win some prizes. Play along with the Marshall Chamber of commerce – Where the heck is Chamber the Elf?
Many local shops are participating in a “Find Chamber the Elf” event. Little Chamber, the elf, will be hiding in one of the many stores that are participating. If you find him, take a selfie at the location you think he is at and post it on FB with the hashtag – #shoplocalmarshall. Fill out the form at that location for a chance to win over $300 in goodies from the stores that are part of the fun. You can get an extra entry form for every $25 you spend at the stores that are part of the event making your chances of winning better. Each store has a custom coloring page for the kiddies (or adult coloring fans). If you visit each store, you will have an 18-page coloring book like no other available anywhere.
Watch the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for clues about where Chamber is hiding each day, and then go find him and buy some treasures while you’re there.
Don’t know where to shop? Visiting Marshall and need some shopping guidance?
The Chamber has created a Shop Local Holiday Shopping Guide if you want to know where to get one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones.
Another way to get information on the local stores and restaurants is to stop by the Clark County Courthouse. Local businesses’ business cards will be on display on their indoor Courthouse Christmas tree. If you own a local business, stop by and drop off your cards at the front desk folks at the or mail your business cards to:
S of A
501 Archer Ave.
Marshall IL, 62441
Their goal is to showcase all of Marshall’s awesome businesses and fully support our local businesses so take advantage of this great way to be part of the local shopping plan.
Something wonderful for our little ones – Free books from the Dolly Parton Imagination through the Marshall Library
Children up to five years of age who reside in the Marshall school district are eligible to receive free books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Children will get a new, age-appropriate book every month until they turn five.
To enroll a child in the program, fill out a registration form at the library or go online to apply at USA:: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:: Marshall.
The Clark County Optimist Club and Marshall Service League are working with the library to make this program possible. Many thanks to thanks Gerald and Jean Forsythe for their generous donation that helps make this happen.
Whatever you do this holiday season, remember that we are all in this together. Happy Holidays! Stay Marshall Strong!
Original source can be found here.
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