Comics & Word project

Hi, this is Kurt J. Kolka. I have spent 30 years in the newspaper business and creating/writing/illustrating publications. As I head toward retirement, I would like to create something special for people in my community and surrounding communities.

I call it a comfort paper (rather than a newspaper). It will feature multiple comic strips to make people laugh, along with a few articles to inspire and encourage readers. It will be given away FREE through local businesses and institutions such as nursing homes and care facilities. I am also working on a subscription service for those who live outside our distribution area.

Starting out, it will be published quarterly (4 times a year). Plans are to increase the number of times we go to print as time goes on.

We receive plenty of bad news through the media these days. I want to create a paper that inspires and encourages people. Something to lift their spirits and give them hope.

While my late mom was in a care facility, I would bring in inspiring newspaper stories I had written for her to read. She would pass them around to other residents there. Soon, I was bringing in multiple copies of the newspaper, as I gained new readership among the previous generation. They were so appreciative to have something positive to read.

Since COVID, I have been seeing more and more people looking discouraged and feeling like kindness has left our culture. This new comfort paper I am working on will feature inspiring writers like Gloria Gaither and John Eldridge, who will inspire readers to show kindness, find ways to help our neighbors and discover that feeling of internal peace.

In order to make this paper a reality, I need to begin paying for some things up front -- namely the comics. Newspaper syndicates which offer comics for subscription require editors to buy a month's worth of each comic strip. And comics vary in price from $20 to $33 a month each. Several comic subscriptions over the course of a year can add up to a couple thousand dollars very quickly. Some syndicates also require a deposit. I must also sign a contract stating I agree to purchase their comics for a full year.

The articles for the paper are being given to us without cost, thanks to the generosity of the writers.

My goal is to raise $1,850 to pay for a year's worth of comics to get started. I would greatly appreciate whatever donation you might be willing to give toward this project. Any amount is welcome. Anyone who donates can receive a free subscription to Comics & Word if they choose. Just let me know if you are interested.

Thank you for taking the time to read this today and giving it your consideration. God bless you.