Spirit of Giving: 5 Nonprofits To Support In Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — It's easy to find a charity to support. But many people want to keep it truly local, and help the neighbors around them or the charities that operate right their community.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season on Nov. 28. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources, said the organization.

Here is a list of five nonprofit organizations operating or helping in and around Ridgewood. Learn more about them.

• Tyler Clementi Foundation Inc.: The foundation, guided by the life and story of the late resident it is named for, promotes safe, inclusive, and respectful social environments in homes, schools, churches and online for vulnerable youth, lgbt youth, and their allies.
• Seats Of Dreams: The group helps disadvantaged children with serious disabilities or terminal illnesses the chance to attend major sports and entertainment events.
• Network For Responsible Public Policy: The nonpartisan organization informs, educates and tries to motivate the public on key public policy issues through lectures.
• Family Promise Of Bergen County: The organization helps keep homeless families together during times of crisis and become self-sufficient.
• NJ Sharing Network: NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant.

What nonprofit do you support? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Shutterstock