Dear Friends of Gazette Chicago:
A lot has happened since Gazette Chicago launched its Go Fund Me effort in February.
New three-word phrases have entered our daily communications:
“Flattening the curve.”
“Shelter in place.”
“Stay at home.”
“Work from home.”
“Essential workers only.”
All of us at Gazette Chicago thank you for the many ways you have shown your support for community journalism. From your donations to this Go Fund Me effort; to sending your donations through the mail; to the kind and supportive words you send our way. We are grateful, so very grateful!
As I write this message on March 23, we are working very hard to figure out how to publish and distribute our planned April 3 edition. Somehow, someway we will get the important news of this community out to you as we all face the incredible challenges of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. It may be in print, in may be on-line through our E-Edition; it most likely will be a combination of both.
Please join us in thinking about and praying for all those affected by COVID-19. For those who have died and their loved ones; for those who are suffering from the coronavirus at this time and their loved ones; for the real heroes during this crisis–the front-line healthcare providers and first responders; for more urgently needed medical supplies for our hospitals and healthcare workers; for our governmental leaders to help bring the aid and leadership at this critical time in our history; and for all who are afraid, in isolation, and struggling with food and medical shortfalls.
ONE OTHER IMPORTANT REQUEST PLEASE!!!
At this time, I ask that you NOT make your Go Fund Me donation to Gazette Chicago.
Instead, please direct your generosity to other Go Fund Me sites that are directly helping people struggling through this COVID-19 Pandemic. Or, go to organizations like the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, The Greater Chicago Food Depository, The National Nurses Association, and so many others.
Please also consider donating blood–we are are at a critical shortage due to the “shelter in place” orders in Illinois and in other states highly impacted by the coronavirus. It is safe to donate.
Finally, look out for one another. Stay in constant touch with your families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Bring them food and medicine if they need it. Just a call will lift a spirit and keep others going.
Let’s join together to get through this crisis and come out of this a better, stronger local and global community.
Stay safe! Stay healthy! We are thinking and praying for all of you.
On behalf of all of us at Gazette Chicago,
Mark J. Valentino
Editor and Publisher