The community needs to take care of our own

Do you want to help Jefferson grow? The best way I know is by supporting our local businesses with purchases.

Please take the time to browse and see what is here. Maybe pick up the phone and call to see if what you need is available. There are many items that can be located right here in Jefferson.

When shopping for gifts, don’t be tied to a specific list. Be willing to surprise someone with a unique gift or service that can be found here.

Isn’t it great when a friend or family member is really surprised when they tear into the package, and it isn’t just something they have already picked out — like having a registry for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

I can wander around Ace Hardware and find all kinds of cool stuff that I didn’t even know I needed. All of my relatives wish there was a Printer’s Box in their communities. All kids like crafts and you can find them galore at Ben Franklin and the Stitch.

We have rented specialty bikes at All Ability to ride down the bike trail, introduced friends to furniture at RVP-1875, found awesome accessories at Addie’s and had personalized engraved glassware from Royals made for wedding gifts.  

Gift certificates bring people back — so how about lunch at Angie’s Teagarden or supper at Doc’s, a mani-pedi at BodyMasters or the Hairem?  

Our family thinks that eating at Peony or Uptown Cafe on Sunday morning is home-cooking. A trip to Jefferson isn’t complete without eating donuts at Bunkers.  

Going to the bowling alley and watching a movie at Sierra is like getting to ride your bike around town for a “country kid.” I had the sweetest, softest sweatshirts made for my family last year at Muir Embroidery — one for me, too.

The Bell Tower Blend from Greene Bean is a staple for all of the coffee drinkers in the family, and the grands love the smoothies from Homestead.  

If you haven’t checked out Skeeter Creek for artwork, please take a look.

Yes, I do get Herald subscriptions for all of our kids even though they’re old enough to get their own.

My list could go on and on, and I know I’m leaving many out and just talking about the downtown area — because there is definitely more fantastic items all over Jefferson and Greene County. You know I mean it because you have seen me there.

Our community is fortunate to have so many businesses that support every fundraising event with donated items, cash donations, sponsorships, memberships and attendance at events. With spring come the many needs for raising funds. I know because I’ll be involved in that as well.

How about if we think about helping to fund those businesses who serve our community so well? The community needs to take care of our own by trying our best to shop local first.

Jefferson Matters: Main Street believes in them and you should, too.

Peg Raney is program director of Jefferson Matters: Main Street. Contact her at director@jeffersonmatters.org or 515-386-3585.

Contact Us

Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161