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Local business Shirts & More Screen Printing & Embroidery has stepped up to help other local businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Chad Seale and his team began work on a project to create and sell t-shirts to support other businesses in the area that are struggling to stay open or pay their employees. The sales for a “Shop Local Demopolis” T-shirt went live on Saturday, March 21.

Seale says the idea was inspired by a friend in Fort Worth, Texas, who was using his screen-printing business to create artwork for different businesses to raise money. Since Demopolis is a small community, Seale and his team decided to make one t-shirt design for the businesses participating in the project. Customers could choose which business they wanted to support when they checked out.

According to Seale, the t-shirt sales have benefitted businesses very well. The project was done as a pre-sale for two weeks, and the cut off was Thursday, April 9. At the time of the cutoff date, 260 shirts had been sold, and just over $3,000 had been raised for local businesses. The proceeds go back to the employees at the businesses.

In addition to supporting local businesses, Seale, who grew up in Demopolis, saw this project as a chance to give back to the community that has always supported him.

“I bought my business from Mike Evans about a year and a half ago, and ever since everyone in the community has supported me 100 percent,” Seale said. “I figured I could try and help out and doing t-shirts was the best way we knew how.”

Seale considers the project to have been a success, and local support exceeded his expectations. More businesses than he expected took part in the project, which led to more publicity. He hopes people continue to show their support for businesses during the pandemic.

After the success of the t-shirt sales, Seale is already thinking of doing another project in the coming weeks.

“With so many being out of work and struggling to get supplies, I’m considering reaching out to the West Alabama Food Bank in Northport, or the local food bank to help people who may need help in getting groceries and basic necessities.” 

He would also like to try and raise money for local healthcare facilities that may be in need of supplies such as masks, gloves, and other medical equipment.