5 Town Non-Profits Worth Supporting

Each week, Marblehead Patch gives you our picks for anything from romantic restaurants, places to watch the big game, charities or boutiques. 

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This week's 5 Patch Picks highlight Marblehead non-profits. Consider donating to these worthy causes right in town.

1. The Penny Bear Foundation: Founded by Penny Wigglesworth, the foundation gives bears to those in need and frequently works with places like Hospice. The bears comfort those you need a hug, Wigglesworth says. 

2. Community of Friends:  The volunteer-based, charitable organization provides practical necessities, outreach services and enriching experiences to neighbors in need. By encouraging volunteerism and philanthropy within the local community, Community of Friends also hopes to instill a desire among others to enrich lives, expand horizons, inspire and teach. The charity runs a backpack drive and stocking drive each year. 

3.: The non-profit organization was established by volunteers in 1993 that provides food, shelter, medical care, and good homes to the dozens of animals abandoned and brought to the Marblehead Animal Shelter each year. The shelter is truly a no-kill shelter. Operating expenses are taken care of through donations and adoption fees (which do not cover the expenses).

4. Friends of Marblehead Public Schools: The non-profit, volunteer-run organization raises money to fund grants that enrich students’ experience in the Marblehead Public Schools. By channeling private money into the public schools from grades pre-K through 12, FMPS supports projects and initiatives in the arts, math and science, curriculum development, student activities, and professional development.

5. The Lynch Van Otterloo YMCA, part of YMCA of the North Shore is not just a place to swim and work out. With a variety of capital campaigns and the Y For All Program, there are plenty of ways to give back through the Y. Giving is also made easy through online donations or the ability to add your donation into your monthly membership fee.