T-shirt sales to support local businesses affected by COVID-19

<p>Submitted</p><p>Jefferson City T-shirts are avaliable for $20 in three colors. $15 of each T-shirt goes to the local business of the buyer’s choice.</p>

Submitted

Jefferson City T-shirts are avaliable for $20 in three colors. $15 of each T-shirt goes to the local business of the buyer’s choice.

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Many small businesses are having to shut down or reduce services to protect employees and the community due to warnings and concerns around the spread of COVID-19.

In an effort to help support local businesses, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with a local business, Capitol City CORK and Provisions, to launch a charitable giving campaign called #LOVEJC.

"Our hearts go out to the businesses in our community hurting right now. We want to do everything we can to minimize the financial burdens they are feeling," CVB Executive Director Diane Gillespie said.

To support the #LOVEJC campaign, people can purchase Jefferson City T-shirts. A portion of the proceeds will then be donated to the business of the buyer's choice in Cole County.

The T-shirts, which feature the outline of Missouri with a star over Jefferson City in three color options, can be purchased from the CVB website for $20, with $15 going toward the chosen business.

"This is an extremely challenging time for all small business in Jefferson City," said Cara Alexander, co-owner of CORK. "While businesses are having to navigate this situation independently, I thought that this campaign could help build community in a time when everyone is feeling isolated, both physically and mentally. However you choose to support the local business scene in the days and weeks to come, remember that by doing so, you're not just helping the owners - you're also helping their employees, their suppliers and the Jefferson City economy as a whole."

If a Cole County business is not chosen, the money will go to the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation.

T-shirts can be picked up at 700 E. Capitol Ave. in Jefferson City from May 4-8, as the CVB recognizes National Travel and Tourism Week and the supporters of the campaign. Other arrangements can be made by emailing [email protected].