Journal-Democrat needs more sponsors to send papers to students

SPENCER COUNTY - Students in local school systems have long had chances to learn from The Spencer County Journal-Democrat, but tough economic times are threatening to cut that opportunity for many.

The Journal-Democrat provides newspapers to area classrooms through the generosity of sponsors, but the number of subscriptions they're providing has dropped dramatically.

Launched in 1955, the international program seeks sponsors to buy subscriptions, putting newspapers into students' hands to help them learn about current events in their communities, many of which can be tied to lessons they learn in several subject areas.

Program contributors sent 218 newspapers into area classrooms last year. That number had fallen to 121 as of mid-August.

The Journal-Democrat has traditionally tried to make up differences between the numbers of sponsors and requesters, but it, too, faces economic limits.

A year's worth of papers for one student costs $9.

Sponsors' names are included in a "compliments of ..." line on mailing labels so students can see who's providing their newspapers."

Few would disagree that reading, researching, expressing opinions through writing and keeping up to date on current events are practices that can benefit students their entire lives.

Any contribution from an individual or business is welcome. Donations can be sent to The Spencer County Journal-Democrat, Attn. NIE, P.O. Box 309, Tell City, IN 47586. Checks should be made out to The Spencer County Journal-Democrat, with NIE on the memo line.

Contact Cheryl Goffinet toll-free at (866) 379-5400 for more information.