The Ridgefield Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse is a local non-profit organization. The group holds meetings and special events to try to reduce alcohol and substance abuse by youths and families in the area and to promote the involvement of community organizations, groups and individuals.
"Are You OK?" is a free local service sponsored by the Ridgefield Woman's Club and the Ridgefield Firefighters' Association. "Are You OK?" volunteers will call elderly Ridgefield residents enrolled in the program on a daily basis to make sure that they are safe and healthy. Call "Are You OK?" and leave a message to include yourself or a loved one on the calling list.
Meals on Wheels, a volunteer-run organization, provides hot meals for approximately 60 elderly members of the community who otherwise may not have them. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday volunteers can be seen delivering comfort to those in need in the Ridgefield area. The Meals on Wheels program relies on government funding, and business and individual donations.
The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that currently has over 400 members. Since 1966, its aim has been to advocate and provide a resource for nonprofit businesses by promoting the economic vitality and quality of life in Ridgefield. Its programs are represented by N.E.A.T., an acronym that stands for Networking, Education, Advocacy, and Tourism. Its mission has been to provide economic strength through hospitality, education, advocacy and tourism.
The highly organized Goodwill Donation Center in Ridgefield accepts household goods, small items and clothing.
Goodwill is a leading nonprofit charity in North America, established in 1902. The company utilizes 84% of profits from donations to directly provide job training and career services for individuals in need.
The Masons of Ridgefield meet every first and third Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. The Masons' roots go back to the Middle Ages, and is the oldest fraternity in the world. As a group, it strives to build the characters of the members to be good citizens, good members of the community, and to give to those less fortunate. For more information, visit the Web site.
The Friends of the Library is a not for profit organization that is comprised of members who are dedicated to furthering the mission of the library, raising funds primarily through books sales. The Friends of the Ridgefield Library was named outstanding Friends group of the year in 2004.
Congress enacted the American Legion in 1919 to bring patriotic veterans together. The Legion members focus on serving veterans, service members and the community through outreach programs. This group is worldwide, with more than 14,000 posts and 2.6 million members. Some of the Legion's involvement include the child welfare foundation, Heroes to Hometowns, Legion racing, baseball, and scouting, flag advocacy, Legion College, Oratorical Contest, Shooting Sports and the Legion Riders. Ridgefield's location is Post 78.
The Leir Foundation is a charitable organization that was founded by Henry Leir and his wife Erna, who came to this country in 1938 and settled in Ridgefield in 1954 after building an empire from his former partnership in the refractory metals business. Henry Leir was a philanthropist and founded several university chairs, donated millions to hospitals and schools, and most notably, a half million dollars to Ridgefield's own Aldrich Museum. The Foundation continues its efforts to continue the Leir's legacy.