Bloomfield, NJ|News|
Good News In Essex County: Transplants + Sisterhood + Hidden Gems
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Good Deeds
Celebrating acts of kindness in communities across the country.
Livingston, NJ|News|
These Donations Saved Lives In Essex County: 8 Stories Of Selflessness
Parents gave kidneys to their kids. A teacher got the “greatest gift anyone can receive.” Strangers saved the lives of other strangers.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Livingston, NJ|News|
Livingston, Wayne Women Find ‘Sisterhood’ Through Organ Donation
A nurse at Mountainside Medical Center volunteered to become a living kidney donor for someone she had never met.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Verona-Cedar Grove, NJ|News|
Verona Teen Raises Awareness For Organ Donation, Earns Scholarship
The Verona High School student has several experiences with organ donation in her personal life. She plans to study nursing.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Newark, NJ|News|
Irvington Man Saved Lives With Organ Donation, Family And Friends Honor His Memory
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the U.S., Ricardo Francis was known for his hardworking ethics and love of family.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Wallingford, CT|News|
New Free Summer Picnic Event Launched By Wallingford Community Dinners
The organization is hosting a free picnic lunch for those in need of food or companionship, and the homebound. Volunteers are needed.
Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff
San Rafael, CA|News|
Cat Survives 30-Mile Ride Under Truck, Rescued From Highway 101 In Marin County
CHP officers stopped freeway traffic to rescue the 14-year-old cat, who escaped with only minor injuries.
Albert Gregory, Patch Staff
West Orange, NJ|News|
Good News In Essex County: Monks + Knicks + Devils + Food
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Newark, NJ|News|
Kids In Newark Hospital Get Visit From Pro Hockey Players [PHOTOS]
Several New Jersey Devils players and draft picks visited a local hospital – joining one child to ring the bell on a final cancer treatment.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
![Kids In Newark Hospital Get Visit From Pro Hockey Players [PHOTOS]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22844250/20260710/015118/styles/patch_image/public/image001___10134632719.jpg)
Newark, NJ|News|
Newark Food Pantry Shines After Supermarket-Style Makeover
"The goal of free food access isn't just to hand out groceries, but to create a place where people feel welcome, seen and empowered."
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Petaluma, CA|News|
Smoke Alarms Save Family, Fire Claims Beloved Cat In North Bay Blaze
Smoke alarms alerted sleeping residents before firefighters contained the blaze and kept it from spreading Thursday.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
West Orange, NJ|News|
West Orange Woman Named 'Community Hero' For Her Work With Organ Donation
Janice Campbell became heavily involved with NJ Sharing Network after her daughter passed away and became an organ donor.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Montclair, NJ|News|
Preserving History In Montclair: Local Projects, Archivists Earn Awards For 2026
The Montclair Historic Preservation Commission tipped their cap to several local projects with their annual Preservation Awards.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Maplewood, NJ|News|
EMT From Maplewood-South Orange Who Saved Life At Knicks Parade Earns Praise From Congresswoman
A New Jersey woman climbed a subway tower during the crowded parade and saved a man's life.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Belleville-Nutley, NJ|News|
Nutley Educator's Inspiring Lessons About Diversity Earn Proclamation From Township
"We all thank you for all of your efforts to build bridges rather than tear them down."
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Rohnert Park-Cotati, CA|News|
Tiny Cries Spark Unusual Storm Drain Rescue In Rohnert Park
Baby quail were rescued from a storm drain and reunited with their mother by police with neighbors' help.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
West Orange, NJ|News|
West Orange Project Graduation Gets $1K Boost From Lions Club
Project Graduation is a national alcohol-free initiative for seniors following their high school graduation.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Montclair, NJ|News|
Good News In Essex County: $2M Lottery Win + Fireworks Shows + Pride + Independence
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Healdsburg, CA|News|
Baby Mink Surprises Sonoma County Animal Control
A tiny wild visitor turned up far from its riverbank home, sending Sonoma County Animal Services officers on an unexpected rescue.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Montclair, NJ|News|
Good News In Essex County: Famous People + Helpful Scouts + Marriage Vows
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Berkeley, CA|News|
Vigil Tonight As New Clues Emerge In Search For Amy Hillyard, Farley's Coffee Owner
New evidence prompts a fresh search as community marks three months since Amy Hillyard vanished.
Angela Woodall and Corey Washington, Patch Staff
Maplewood, NJ|News|
Maplewood Scouts Earn Prestigious Eagle Rank With Community Projects
Four members of Troop 5 Maplewood earned the rank of Eagle Scout: the highest honor in Scouting America.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Healdsburg, CA|News|
Healdsburg Barber Shop Builds Business Behind The Chair Through Relationships
A young entrepreneur turned a curiosity into a thriving barber shop in Healdsburg where community connections matter as much as haircuts.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Rohnert Park-Cotati, CA|News|
Rohnert Park Grad Turns Barbershop Into Business Built On Relationships
A young Rohnert Park entrepreneur turned a curiosity into a thriving barber shop where community connections matter as much as haircuts.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Maplewood, NJ|News|
NJ Hall Of Fame’s New Inductees Include SZA, Lawrence Taylor, Former Governor
This year’s honorees include a Grammy-winning musician, a football legend and New Jersey’s first woman governor.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Petaluma, CA|News|
North Bay 13-Year-Old Turns Brother's Overdose Into Life-Saving Mission
After her brother died from fentanyl, a 13-year-old is teaching overdose prevention and heading to a national conference alongside DEA, FBI.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Novato, CA|News|
Inclusive Dance Studio, Founder Honored By City Council In Marin County
City leaders praised the dance teacher for opening doors to dancers with disabilities and invited residents to an all-abilities talent show.
Albert Gregory, Patch Staff
Wallingford, CT|News|
Volunteers To Make Home Repairs For Those In Need With Wallingford Workcamp
The project will provide free, hands-on home repair for those in need, specifically the elderly, low-income, disabled, or veterans.
Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff
Napa Valley, CA|News|
A North Bay ICU Nurse With Parkinson's Joins Grueling Offshore Race To Advance Research
A St. Helena ICU nurse joins offshore race as researchers track whether sailing can measurably affect Parkinson’s symptoms.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Lamorinda, CA|News|
Plea For Help In Search For Missing Dog 'Kylie'
A 10-year-old mixed-breed dog escaped through a gate June 16, and rescuers are asking the public to help bring her home safely.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Meet Libby And The Ordinary People Trying To Bring The Lost Dog Home.
Libby, a golden retriever startled by a loud noise 3 years ago, stays a step ahead of rescuers. But where there’s kindness, there’s hope.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Newark, NJ|News|
Good News In Essex County: Football + Knitting + Patriots + Cheerios
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Walnut Creek, CA|News|
25 Kittens Airlifted To Walnut Creek After SoCal Chemical Crisis, 13 Still At Shelter
Bay Area rescue group relocated vulnerable cats as Orange County emergency strained animal shelters.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Novato, CA|News|
Watch: Missing Dog Rescued From 20-Foot Hole At Construction Site In Marin County
Firefighters used specialized rescue techniques to save the dog after it spent three days trapped underground.
Albert Gregory, Patch Staff
Newark, NJ|News|
Community Refrigerator In Newark’s Ironbound Gets Support From NJ Devils
“It breaks my heart that our neighbors have to choose between buying vegetables for their kids or keeping a roof over their heads.”
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Caldwells, NJ|News|
Staff At Supermarket In The Caldwells Earn Place On Cheerios Box With $11K Fundraising Haul
A ShopRite in the Caldwells raised more than $11,000 that will help local food banks to fight hunger.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Belleville-Nutley, NJ|News|
Good News In Essex County: Helpful Sisters + NCAA Star + Great Teachers
New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Lamorinda, CA|News|
New Details On Blaze Near Caldecott Tunnel From Moraga-Orinda Fire District
Burning car sparks half-acre vegetation fire as crews halt spread during Red Flag conditions.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Newark, NJ|News|
Daring Feats Of ‘Valor’ From Newark Cops, Firefighters Earn Solemn Respect From Peers
A Newark police officer who died in the line of duty had a stand-in that brought the crowd to tears: his bereaved mother.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Petaluma, CA|News|
Grocery Outlet Asks Petaluma To Turn Grocery Lists Into Community Fundraiser
The store will offer live music, pancakes, hot dogs, shaved ice, and family fun while raising money for Una Vida.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
