In the 2-1/2 weeks since Sippican Week and its sister papers made their first plea for financial assistance to get through the lean, dark days of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 250 readers sent more than $15,000. I cannot say “thank you” often enough! Even beyond the dollars, you have given us validation that what we do matters to you.

This is a call to readers who have not yet donated.

I know that very few of you feel flush with cash right now.

I realize that there are many other worthy causes seeking donations. Food pantries need to feed the hungry. Nonprofits need to replace the dollars that would have been brought in by cancelled fundraisers. And health-care workers need equipment to keep them safe and alive.

I also realize that we are not alone. The pandemic shutdown is hurting most small businesses, crushing many. Indeed, Sippican Week’s plight is a result of that sad fact. As a 100% advertising-supported publication, our revenue fell off a cliff when advertisers closed their doors. But we still want to bring you news of our community, and we believe you still want to receive it — for free, daily online, weekly in print. Every contribution, large or small, will keep the news coming. If every reader sent just $20, we could breathe easy about being able to provide comprehensive local news coverage throughout this nightmare time.

To donate, click on the “donate” button on any page of SippicanWeekToday.com or mail a contribution to Sippican Week, P.O. Box 1144, Marion, MA 02738.

Together, we’ll get through this.