Fast, Easy Filler for Your Community Newsletter

If your senior center or other community organization has a print newsletter, it’s likely a key component of your marketing efforts. Experts say there are many reasons why print is still an effective communication tool. Newsletters help with everything from building trust to fundraising. If you are like many nonprofit organizations, your team is small, with each person wearing a lot of hats, so keeping your newsletter both engaging and informative each month can be a challenge.

The answer lies in finding ways to create content efficiently. While main feature articles such as upcoming events and new programs are important, having “filler” content that promotes interaction can greatly enhance a newsletter’s appeal and increase reader loyalty. 

Here are some thoughtful and enjoyable filler ideas to consider and where to find them pre-made for your newsletter.

Use a Content Library!

Content libraries like LPi’s WeCreate are an essential time-saving tool for newsletter editors. Digital libraries like this provide valuable content such as fully written articles, recipes, images you can use for all sorts of occasions, and more. WeCreate provides new content every month, as well as full access to a vast archive of content for every season, holiday, and event to fill in your newsletter. 

<Insert some WeCreate image examples here when posting this blog with a caption>

Oftentimes, content library services offer exclusive content for subscribers to keep your newsletter unique. For example, WeCreate offers comics, puzzles, infographics, and articles ready to be used in your newsletter that you won’t find anywhere else. Check out the WeCreate free content page for a sneak peek of what the full library holds and to start using it right away! 

10 Ways to Fill Out Your Organization’s Newsletter

1. Memory Lane

Invite members to submit short stories from their past — whether they are about childhood, career milestones, military service, favorite vacations, or first loves. You can even publish submissions anonymously if that will make it more likely that people will share. These quick stories help create warmth and nostalgia that can foster connection among readers.

2. Senior Spotlight

Feature a brief profile of a different supporter or staff member in each issue. Include a photo, a few fun facts, and their favorite quote or hobby. This helps build community and encourages readers to get to know each other better.

3. Jokes & Riddles

Lighten the mood with age-appropriate jokes, puns, and riddles. Think gentle humor and classic one-liners. Ask people to send you their favorites to include.

4. Did You Know?

Share interesting facts or trivia, especially from past decades. For example, include fun historical tidbits like “On this day in 1955 …” or curious facts such as “Did you know the microwave was invented by accident?”

5. Word Games & Puzzles

Crosswords, word searches, and even simple sudoku puzzles can be great brain teasers. Free sites like Puzzlemaker and The Word Search make it easy to create your own custom games and puzzles.

6. Book or Movie Reviews

Another fun filler could be reviews of books and movies, both current and classic, or recommendations by staff or community members. Don’t forget to incorporate some from streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu, as well as audiobooks that people may find compelling listens.

7. Volunteer of the Month

If you don’t already, consider having a volunteer-of-the-month corner for your newsletter. While many organizations recognize a volunteer of the year, shining a spotlight on supporters on a more regular basis helps encourage engagement, too.

8. Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries

With permission, list staff and member birthdays or milestone anniversaries each month. Add a congratulatory message or even baby photos if you have consent to include them.

9. Health & Wellness Tips

Include gentle wellness advice geared toward seniors — hydration reminders, safe stretching exercises, seasonal safety tips, or healthy eating ideas. These can be just a few sentences long.

10. Favorite Recipes

Odds are good that most people associated with your organization have a favorite recipe or two they wouldn’t mind sharing. Invite people to submit theirs and include photos if possible.

Making Newsletter Production Easier

Mixing a few of these filler ideas into your newsletter will make it feel more like a community gathering in print. Your newsletter will be more personal, lighthearted, and something readers will look forward to. 

If you need additional support in creating your monthly or quarterly issues, LPi’s Newsletter Service offers free design services, plus free access to the WeCreate Digital Content Library.