Self Reliance New Jersey is first donor to Copies for Congress project in 2003

CLIFTON, N.J. - Self Reliance New Jersey Federal Credit Union has become the first donor to The Ukrainian Weekly's 2003 campaign to solicit funds for the Copies for Congress project, which provides free subscriptions to the newspaper for all members of the U.S. Congress.

Along with a check for $1,000, the credit union sent a letter signed by Michael J. Celuch, CEO, stating: "We believe it is vital that our representatives [in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives] are kept aware of the events taking place both in Ukraine and the U.S., which influence not only Ukrainian Americans, but all citizens."

Self Reliance New Jersey is based in Clifton and has branches in Passaic, Whippany and Elizabeth. The donation was approved by the credit union's board of directors in January.

Distribution of The Weekly to members of Congress - which is part of the newspaper's founding mission of informing the world about Ukraine and Ukrainians - serves the entire Ukrainian American community, but the cost of the free subscriptions - more than $30,000 per year - is borne by The Ukrainian Weekly. Though this project is a large expense, The Weekly's editorial staff feels very strongly that the newspaper should continue to reach U.S. senators and representatives since The Weekly is the only newspaper that provides such information consistently, coherently and accurately.

The 535 members of the U.S. Congress have been receiving complimentary copies of The Ukrainian Weekly since 1987. Our newspaper frequently has been quoted in "The Congressional Record," and the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) has cited The Weekly in reports, hearings and speeches, as have other Congressional committees and individual members of Congress. The Ukrainian Weekly's editorials and "Action Items" have informed U.S. legislators about Ukrainian American's concerns and rallied readers to insist on congressional action on issues important to the community.

The 2000-2001 Copies for Congress campaign raised $7,250 in donations; during its second year, 2001-2002, the campaign received $13,600 in contributions from credit unions, community institutions and organizations, and individuals.

The Ukrainian Weekly is now beginning its 2003 fund-drive for the Copies for Congress Project. As in 2002, each donation of $1,000 will be acknowledged with a special sponsor's box on page 3 of The Ukrainian Weekly.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 9, 2003, No. 10, Vol. LXXI

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