This newspaper is just full of free ads

You’re thinking that headline is misleading, but it’s not. While it has taken a while, we have finally begun adding non-profit charities to the newspaper for free. Let me explain.

Many years ago, I began my career in the graphic design/ production department. One of the first lessons a newspaper layout person learns is you can never have enough “small filler ads.” The size varies, but they are a must-have when completing the Tetris puzzle—a perfect newspaper page layout. You have seen these before: “Does This Ad Work?” or another “Subscribe Now” will often adorn every page (except the front page, of course). The reason is simple: graphic designers need that last little piece to complete a complex puzzle.

Twenty years ago, I got fed up with the traditional filler ads and scrapped those, but I still needed the pieces. The solution would solve my problem of the need for small puzzle pieces and help the community. I began by building six different-sized “smaller ads” for non-profit groups in the area. The qualification was the organization had to be an official 503c registered charity to qualify. Typically, these organizations have little to no budget for advertising, but a need just as great, if not greater, than a car dealership.

I remember the community’s reaction the first time I did this. The organizations featured called to ask, “Who is paying for that ad? We didn’t place that ad.” Or “Did someone donate ad space to us?” Well, someone had donated all that advertising space, the local newspaper. But was it a donation, or just a community service that was needed?

Over the years, I’ve become more apt to believe it is more of a newspaper duty, not so much a donation. These ads help community members and organizations that serve the community. So, it all made sense from the moment I thought
about it. This sounds like I’m content to pat myself on the back for a job well done, but that is not the case. In fact, I have had this program in numerous communities throughout my career, but this is the first time I have ever written about it. And I do so for a completely different self-serving reason. I need more non-profits.

I have been searching for non-profits to add to my collection. It takes a lot of little ads to finish the newspaper puzzle, and I’m still looking for a list of viable non-profits to include. I’m asking you for help in identifying qualified non-profits. I just moved here in November 2023, so being new to the area has me at a disadvantage.

Please take a minute to email me the non-profit information at dennis@lightandchampion.com. And, the reason for these ads is more than just filler. These groups are essential to a community. They help people and pets and serve tirelessly without reward. So when you see one of these ads asking for a donation, take a minute to offer your time and money or just fulfill a need they may have.

Thanks, and please, once again, help the local newspaper support these charities. Send me that information at dennis@lightandchampion.com.

Ed. note: If you see your charity here in the newspaper, we are not sending a bill; we are filling a hole, and we hope that, in some small way, this helps you achieve your goals.
God Bless.