In today's T.O. Acorn, readers are being asked to sign up for a voluntary subscription to their favorite weekly paper. This special subscription will only apply to residents already receiving the newspaper.

Each Thursday morning more than 40,000 Thousand Oaks residents step out of their front door, walk down the driveway and pick up their Thousand Oaks Acorn in anticipation of another week of local news, photographs and features.

Many tell us they read this newspaper cover to cover, holding on to each issue until the next one arrives.

We're sure there are quite a few of you who have a newspaper clipping from the Acorn tucked away somewhere safe in your home. Perhaps it was a picture taken at a school carnival or maybe it was a story about a very special teacher.

We love that, which is why we work so hard to bring you the Thousand Oaks Acorn every week.

Starting next week, the T.O. Acorn will ask our readers for a voluntary subscription. The annual rate is $25 (that's 48 cents per issue for home delivery).

Voluntary subscriptions will help us defray the escalating costs of printing and delivery and will also help us maintain the high quality of local news we provide you.

We think we're worth it.

Also "worth it" is the Thousand Oaks-based Manna food bank, the only facility that exclusively serves Conejo Valley residents. Forty percent of the money raised by Thousand Oaks Acorn's voluntary subscriptions will go to the local food bank.

Your voluntary subscription will not only help ensure your local newspaper remains a vital part of the community and expands its services, but it will also help feed hungry people.

Okay, you might be wondering, "Will I still get the Thousand Oaks Acorn even if I don't subscribe?"

Of course you will. The voluntary subscription is just one way that we can continue to provide all the local news and stories you've come to know and love.

Remember, this special voluntary subscription will only apply to residents already receiving the newspaper. Please see the voluntary subscription form on this page and in next week's edition. A story next week will also further explain how your donation will benefit Manna.

We appreciate your support, and we look forward to seeing you next Thursday. We'll be there.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.