Hurry! July is drawing fast to a close and cupcakes are being sold at the Cupcakes By Carousel to benefit the United Way of New Jersey. 

"We have sold 100 cupcakes which will raise $100 for the United Way," said Nancy Finkelstein, the co-owner of the family-run business. 

She added, "Considering the bad economy we have had, it is just so great to see the Ridgewood community come out and help."

Finkelstein said the cupcakes sold come with either white icing or blue icing and each cupcake sold amounts to a dollar for charity, a great deal for consumers and an even better deal for those in need.

Carousel By Cupcakes, located at 192 East Ridgewood Ave., started as a "sister business" to Carousel Cakes, which was founded by Finkelstein's father, Martin Lefkowitz, in 1965. While Carousel goods are sold across Bergen County and Manhattan (and have been a favorite of Oprah), and they're dedicated to providing the best cupcakes and cakes in the area, Finkelstein said they're also vested in doing great things for others.

The United Way offers a Compassion fund, Back to Work Programs, funds for military families and assists "with affordable housing and ending homelessness," according to their website, among other programs designed to help individuals and families going through hard times. Where the money raised by Carousel Cupcakes will directly go is unknown, but it should make a positive change for those in need.

"We try to support local businesses and local causes," said Finkelstein. "We believe it is important to be a part of this community and help out with it." However, she reminded residents in Ridgewood that time is running out.

"The end of the month is just around the corner," she said, so those with a sweet tooth and sweet heart are encouraged to stop by the shop and grab a few cupcakes before the end of July.

While the July deadline is fast approaching, Finkelstein and the rest of the Carousel By Cupcakes crew is hardly done with their charity work. They'll be offering assistance to two children stricken with pediatric cancer in the fall. "One girl is from Ridgewood and the other is from Ho-Ho-Kus," she said of the two they're pledging to raise funds for. "It is a great cause," she said.

Besides, for the customer, "a cupcake always brings a smile to someone's face," she said. With a great cause behind it, it looks like those cupcakes will be bringing a lot more smiles this summer and fall.