Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Connect with us:

No tote bags. No swag. Just news.

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.

It would be nice for every Lansing Journal reader to receive a Lansing Journal coffee mug, but such mugs exist only as Photoshopped pixels. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

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

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?

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.

2 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.

Related

District 158 School Board Agenda 3/20/24

The District 158 Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month to discuss and make decisions that affect five schools in Lansing. Agenda—

Approvals for Thornton-Lansing Road trucking site, massage special use for ‘The Cave’ – Village Board agendas 3/19/24

Village Board Meetings take place at the Village Court Complex at 2710 170th Street. Trustees discuss and vote on business that affects...

Munster Town Council receiving input from area residents regarding purchase of Center for Visual and Performing Arts

Wendy Mis has received 50 emails so far about the proposed plans for the Visual and Performing Arts Center in Munster ....