In May, we launched a new program, Adopt A Box! Since then about forty amazing WW readers have given special attention to their blue boxes. They’ve kept them clean, ensured papers were in view, and alerted us if boxes needed special attention. We just started our third term, but check back in with us in late February to sign up for Term 4!

By participating in this program, you can directly contribute to the sustainability and accessibility of local journalism while gaining visibility for your support.

We ask that Box Ambassadors check on their box at least once a week, ideally after papers are distributed Wednesday morning.

Responsibilities include:

• Removing trash in or around the box.
• Making sure a paper is nicely visible in the door.
• Emailing circulation@wweek.com only if there’s significant damage to the box, or it’s gone missing. Significant damage would be: a broken window, box parts missing, box itself is missing, box has been smashed, significant new graffiti or stickers.

Some Box Ambassadors have gone the extra mile and cleaned graffiti and removed stickers. We do not expect that of Box Ambassadors, but if you’d like to, readers would be grateful! Here’s what we’ve found works best for this type of cleaning:

• Standard durable work gloves: Protection during cleaning, painting, and maintenance tasks.
• Citristrip stripping gel: A safer, chemical stripper for removing unwanted paint or stickers, suitable for use on metal surfaces.
• Plastic cleaner and polish: Specifically formulated for cleaning plastic surfaces without causing damage.
• Paper shop towels: For streak-free cleaning of surfaces.
• Goo Gone adhesive remover: For removing stickers and adhesive residue with ease.
• Safety scraper with blades: A tool designed for safely scraping off stickers without damaging box surfaces.

How we know how your box is doing:

• Our circulation drivers will be checking on your boxes during their weekly driving routes. We’ll get updates from them.
• We do not expect (and can’t handle) weekly communications about your box. We expect to hear from you only if something is really damaged!
• A few weeks into your tenure as a Box Ambassador, and again when it concludes in mid-November, we’ll send you a note asking how things are going. At that point, we’ll want input on your experience, your box, and anything else you may want to share to make this program stronger.

What’s in it for you?

• Willamette Week swag mailed to your door!
• A feature on WW platforms (social media, FOWW newsletter, WW print) demonstrating your participation (only if you are OK with this!).
• Knowing you’re a force for good in your community by giving readers better access to local journalism.