FAIRMONT — The “stay at home” orders in effect in Minnesota and throughout the country to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have battered businesses, including our local companies. Two downtown Fairmont businesses have joined forces in an effort called “Martin County Strong,” an initiative to boost the morale and maybe the pocketbooks of local establishments.

It’s a new project that is rapidly growing in popularity.

The premise is simple. Buy a T-shirt or sweatshirt stamped with the “Martin County Strong” logo and a portion of the price will be donated to a business designated by the purchaser. The names of the participating businesses will be listed on the back of the shirt at no cost to the business.

Tanya and Jay Doyscher, owners of the Visual Identity Vault, came across the idea which originated in St. Louis as a way to support restaurants in that area.

“We wanted to find a way to make this work for all businesses,” Jay said. “We all agreed. It’s not just the restaurants that are hurting. All businesses are hurting.”

“These people are our friends, and they’re struggling,” Tanya said. “There’s so much anxiety. We needed to boost morale, even a little bit, and bring the community together. That’s what our goal is.”

They approached Sara Cyphers, owner of D & S Trophies, to ask if she wanted to participate in the project.

“My first thought was, how is this going to work? Being closed for us already is a challenge,” she said. “My second thought was, heck yes! These businesses need a morale booster. Your customers are still here, thinking of you, wanting to support you.”

Last Friday, they announced the project on Facebook, setting an ambitious goal of 100 participating businesses and 1,000 likes within 24 hours. They didn’t quite hit the goal, but they are surprisingly close.

As of Monday, 90 Martin County businesses had signed up, and almost 900 people had liked the Facebook page.

Businesses, no matter how big or small, that want to participate by having their names printed on the shirts must be signed up by 5 p.m. Thursday by sending a message on the Facebook page or by calling D & S Trophies at (507) 235-5026 or the Visual Identity Vault at (507) 238-9793. Participation is free.

On Friday, the “Martin County Strong” web store will open for just two weeks. People can go online and order T-shirts or hooded sweatshirts with $10 and $15, respectively, donated to the business of the buyer’s choice. Each order will have a drop-down menu so the purchaser can select a business to get the donation.

The organizers said that some businesses signed up to participate in a show of solidarity but declined any donations because they are doing okay. Following that same theme, neither D & S Trophies nor the Visual Identity Vault will be profiting from the project.

The shirts are available only in a gender-neutral light gray color with the “Martin County Strong” logo and list of businesses printed in black.

T-shirts are available in sizes from youth medium to adult 4X. Cost is $20, with 2X at $22 and 3X and 4X at $24.

Sweatshirts are available only in adult sizes from XS to 4X. Cost is $40, with 2X at $42 and 3X and 4X at $44.

After the two-week order period is ended, the shirts will be produced the following week. They can be picked up at either store once the “stay at home” order is lifted, or you can pay for shipping when order and have the merchandise sent directly to you.