The Lion’s Club of Alpena Raise Funds for The Salvation Army with Satirical Newspaper
*Lions Club member, Gary, sells copies of the paper
At The Salvation Army, raising funds in the months leading up to Christmas is vital for providing people with the help they need. There are multiple ways corps try to reach their Christmas goals, most notably, the iconic red kettles.
However, the Alpena Corps has another creative way: selling a fake newspaper filled with local satire and humor. It is a collaboration between The Lions Club of Alpena and The Alpena News that has been going on for nine decades. This year the goal is to raise $2,000.
“The Alpena News writes and publishes the ‘Old Newsboys edition,’ filled with funny satire and parody stories,” said Alpena News publisher Justin Hinkley. “Then Lions Club members sell the paper for donations and turn the money over to The Salvation Army to support its Christmastime programs.”
A hilarious story from this year’s newspaper is headlined “First self-driving marshmallow-powered car unveiled in Alpena,” Written by “Marsha Mallow.” A story from last year announces a new splash pad in an Alpena park, including amenities for parents, such as a “waterproof bookstore.”
“My reporters have a lot of fun every year coming up with the satire stories to put on the front page of the Old Newsboys edition. And it's such a worthy cause, The News is proud to be a part of it,” said Hinkley.
According to Major Prezza Morrison, who is the head of The Salvation Army Alpena Corps Community Center,
“It’s a creative idea that lifts people’s spirit as they read the news. The community looks forward to seeing what the Alpena News puts together each year. The Lion’s Club of Alpena cares for the community and does a lot to assist those in need.”
The fundraiser is sure to put smiles on faces, both for readers of newspaper’s hilarious articles, and the families benefitting from the assistance its proceeds raise. If it gave you a chuckle, consider donating to The Salvation Army of Alpena, or volunteering at your local corps.