The community of Tarpon Springs is rallying around a local soldier who was injured in Afghanistan.

Army Ranger Sterling Levi Eaves, 27, was severely injured by an explosive device. Since then, friends and strangers are selling t-shirts and wristbands to raise money for the family.

"For this community right now, it's all about Levi," said family friend Angela Miller. "We can't do anything physically, but if we can do anything mentally to help him and his family, I think that's the best we can do."

Signs have popped up throughout Tarpon Springs with two words: Levi Strong.

On Thursday more than 200 people came out to spell the two words at Sponger's Stadium.

Friends snapped a photograph and sent it to the family.

"You don't realize how many people are there supporting you until something like this happens," said family friend Melody Williams.

The Facebook page "The Latest on Levi" had more than 2000 likes by Friday evening.

At Hancock Bank, a "Benefit Account for Sterling Levi Eaves" has been set up to raise money for the family.

T-shirts go on sale Monday at the ReMax Bay to Bay Real Estate Office in Palm Harbor.

Friends say the Eaves family is overwhelmed by all the support.