Thank you to CDT readers, supporters during COVID-19 pandemic

We’ve all had our share of tough days during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those of us in local news, the work has been nonstop as uncertainties pile on about our industry. But over the past few weeks, I’ve countered those tough days with a visit to the Centre Daily Times’ Coronavirus Reporting Fund Givebutter campaign, where more than 60 people have offered their monetary support and, more importantly, words of gratitude about our work.

“Thank you for your continued reporting during the pandemic,” a “Grateful Port Matilda Reader” wrote. “We are grateful for the work of the entire staff to produce and deliver the CDT. Stay safe!”

From an anonymous donor: “I’m so glad that we have the CDT to help us know what’s happening in our local area and what our locally elected politicians are doing. The pandemic certainly shows the value of information specific to our community!”

Thank you to all who have donated, subscribed or expressed support during this time. It’s inspiring to live in a community that comes together during the most difficult of times — neighbors helping neighbors, people supporting local businesses and showing appreciation for front-line workers.

A community that, despite job losses and financial strain, raised a record $2.19 million for local nonprofits last week through Centre Gives.

A community that thanks its health care heroes by making PPE in their garages and and donating meals, gifts and funds.

At the CDT, we’re grateful for our readers and grateful to be here for you during this time. Your support ensures we can continue to provide critical reporting as our communities navigate this “new normal” and begin to rebuild.

With the business model of the newspaper upended and challenged by loss of advertising revenue due to COVID-19, we also continue to think creatively about how to use our resources and continue to bring readers impactful journalism. We recently received a grant through the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation COVID-19 News Support Grant Program to focus on how our rural communities have been affected by the pandemic. The first story in that effort, from former CDT reporter Sarah Paez, takes a deep look at remote learning and why rural students are at a distinct disadvantage.

We are also joined this summer, albeit remotely, by two talented students from the Penn State Bellisario College of Communications. Look for bylines from interns Megan Swift and Acacia Aster Broder in the weeks and months ahead.

If you’re already a subscriber — whether you’ve been one for two days or 50 years — thank you for your support. If not, please consider a digital subscription for unlimited access to essential local content. Tax-deductible donations to the Coronavirus Reporting Fund can be made at https://givebutter.com/centredaily.

As donors Jim and Melanie wrote on the page: “We need you now, more than ever. Be safe and keep it going.”

Thank you, and we will.