News : Vinton Today Needs You

Dear Vinton Today Readers,

First off, a huge thank you to those of you who have already sent in donations and checks to help build the new website-your generosity means the world. Truly, I'm touched. And no, I didn't even have to send you a tote bag or promise to name a bench after you!

Believe it or not, Vinton Today is now 15 years old. (I know, I can't believe it either-where did the time go?) What started as a little idea has grown into something far beyond what I imagined. Thanks to all of you who send in your news, and those who stop by regularly to read it, Vinton Today has become a true community effort. So thank you for making this your go-to spot for what's happening around town.

Over the years, we've had to rebuild the site a couple of times-turns out, even websites age faster than we do. Luckily, I've managed to keep the original brain behind the operation (a.k.a. Wes) from running off to some tropical island. And so far, the site's stayed standing and hack-free, which is no small feat considering the traffic we get!

But every five years or so, the tech world taps us on the shoulder and reminds us it's time for another upgrade. And, well... it's that time again. The backend of the site is throwing more tantrums than a toddler at nap time. So Wes has agreed to again pick up his pencils (I'm sure he's rolling his eyes at the idea) and opening a million lines of code to bring Vinton Today into the next generation.

Now, I really don't like asking for help. I avoid it as much as I can because it makes me feel like one of those TV preachers waving their hands and asking for your "love offering." But here I am, hat in hand.

If you're reading this, I'm talking to you. Yep-you. Whether you've lived in Vinton your whole life or you're reading from another state just to keep in touch with home, this site exists because of you... and now it needs you.

Could I have charged for obituaries or event posts to save for this? Sure. But when someone's lost a loved one, the last thing they should worry about is paying to share their memories. And when a local fire department needs help getting new equipment, or the Legion needs help keeping the lights on, or the churches are organizing a fundraiser, I try to help where I can. That's the heart of this town-and this site.

Some of our most loyal readers don't live here anymore, but they're often the first to donate-and I think, in a way, they're saying "thanks" to all of you who send in the stories and keep Vinton alive and online.

So now I'm asking everyone-if you love Vinton Today, if you believe in what it does, if you've ever smiled because you saw your grandkid's picture or learned about a pancake breakfast just in time-please consider pitching in whatever you comfortably can.

We're still a ways from meeting the goal, and I'd love to stop begging (I'm not great at it), so if you're able, please help us get there.

You can mail your donation to:

Vinton Today
P.O. Box 7
Vinton, Iowa 52349

or use Venmo @VintonToday

With heartfelt thanks (and maybe a few gray hairs from the backend of the site),

Valerie