Stung by the Pandemic, a Centuries-Old Alexandria Newspaper Tries Crowdfunding
The Gazette Packet has raised two thirds of its $50,000 goal
Gazette Packet began publishing in 1784 (its name was the
Virginia Journal and Alexandria Advertiser at first; then the
Gazette and Port Packet; the
Gazette Packet emerged in 1834). Since then, the newspaper has chronicled Alexandria’s evolution from port city to consistently interesting D.C. suburb a transformation that continues to animate its letters pages.
And now it needs some help. The
Gazette Packet launched an online fundraiser late last year in hopes of raising $50,000 for the
Gazette Packet and other publications operated by Connection Newspapers in Northern Virginia. So far it’s about two thirds of the way to its goal.
Whether you embrace the Christmas story literally or in spirit, it is the story of joy, hope and love, with the promise of redemption.
The pages of the Connection (including the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazette, the Potomac Almanac and the Centre View) are usually full of holiday spirit, beginning before Thanksgiving. While in this, the year of COVID, the year 2020, a year like no other, the holidays have been muted in so many ways. Still we have celebrated help for the needy whose numbers have expanded with the pandemic; collecting toys and warm coats for children who might not otherwise receive them; holiday celebrations, concerts and performances via Zoom; socially distanced Santa, tree lightings; stories of giving; the Virtual Nutcracker; and more.