by Melanie Jongsma, Managing Editor
LANSING, Ill. (November 7, 2020) – A lot of public service organizations hold very successful fundraising campaigns that offer “swag” in exchange for a certain level of donation. Branded tote bags, logo-ed coffee mugs, boxed sets of DVDs, and custom t-shirts, hats, and socks can all be awarded to responsive donors. People who believe in the organization’s mission are eager to earn these items and show their support.
Sometimes I wish The Lansing Journal could do that. Though I say and write the words “Thank you” often, I wish I could give a tangible thank-you gift. I like to imagine people all over Lansing sitting down to peruse the news while sipping coffee from a Lansing Journal mug.
What we give
On the other hand, people who read and support The Lansing Journal have told me that they are the ones who are grateful.
They are grateful to have a newspaper that is focused on the local—
- Local businesses and job opportunities
- Local Honor Flight veterans
- Local churches who got creative during COVID
- And local issues like
They are grateful that The Lansing Journal is a source of practical information during election season.
They are grateful that we continued reporting every single day throughout the quarantine, so they could stay connected and updated.
What you give
So rather than try to encourage more donations by offering trinkets, The Lansing Journal will simply keep doing the local, community-building journalism we do, the work our readers are already grateful for.
And occasionally I’ll write an editorial like this, and I’ll ask if more of you will show your gratitude by giving financially.
Some options to consider
When you buy a large coffee at some places, you probably spend over $4.00. Are you willing to spend that amount each month for the community news you read?
The special subscription price for a nearby digital newspaper is $14.00/month. Could you contribute that amount to your local community newspaper?
We pay our journalists a stipend of $60 per story, no matter how many hours they spend or words they write. Are you able to pay for one article each month?
Those are just a few ideas to help you place a monetary value on the information we deliver to you each morning. Give whatever you can, or whatever you feel a community newspaper is worth. Sign up as a monthly supporter, or give occasionally on your own schedule. We appreciate every dollar from every supporter. That’s what keeps us going.
Monthly support options:
One-time gift options:
We are grateful to be part of a community of people who are grateful for community news. We are grateful for people who don’t need a coffee mug to convince them that this newspaper is worthwhile.
No tote bags. No swag. Just news.
Will you give to that?
You give us a gift each and every day! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.❤
The straightforward and honest news that we get from the Lansing Journal is a blessing.