Hundreds of Tampa Bay Times readers helped us reach our fundraising goal this week.

From all of us here: Thank you!

As of noon Saturday, we raised $76,000 online from 718 donors for our annual weeklong “It’s Your Times” campaign. We’ve gotten $4,967 more from 27 contributors who sent checks. The target was $75,000.

We are heartened and inspired by your generosity and your willingness to support the local journalists who bring you the news. The money raised from this campaign goes toward the salary of a reporter at the Times and helps pay for our ability to obtain documents and data for stories through the end of the year.

Many readers have left encouraging messages on our fundraising page. The notes underscore how much the Tampa Bay Times means to them.

And your support means so much to us.

One donor, who identified himself only as “dad,” pledged $100. “So my kids will have a trusted voice when surrounded by misinformation,” he wrote.

Contributions have ranged from $5 to $6,798. The average donation: $108.97. This is our third annual fundraiser, and the number of individuals who have given has never been higher.

“Tampa Bay Times is one of the few independent newspapers still left in our state and our country and is so important to our democracy,” wrote Rex and Peggy, who donated $100. “Keep telling us the true facts.”

That’s the plan, Rex and Peggy.

Now, not to be greedy, but if you still would like to give, we won’t stand in the way. The fundraiser ends at midnight Sunday. The need is far greater than the goal we set. And everything raised beyond it simply helps us serve you better.

To make a tax deductible contribution, go to the “It’s Your Times” campaign webpage.

If you prefer to send a check, make it payable to the Tampa Bay Times.

Please write “It’s Your Times” in the memo line. Here’s where to send it:

Tampa Bay Times

c/o Poynter Institute

801 Third St. S

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Thank you for helping to support your local newsroom!