After all shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, "Giving Tuesday" is a day to promote giving back to the community.
NBC Connecticut is proud to partner with the United Way and the Hartford Yard Goats to help those in need.
Giving Tuesday is an international push for giving. Locally, the United Way is raising money for families in our community who need it most.
"It makes me feel good," David Graham of Bloomfield said. "I think it’s very important to give to those in need. I try to do it as much as I can. I try to instill that in my kids. I’m just trying to help out the community."
The United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut collected hundreds of dollars during a few short hours today.
The mission this year is neighbors in need. One hundred percent of the donations collected today will go to local families displaced by the recent hurricanes.
"There’s a need for shelter there’s a need for food, there’s a need for medical assistance. So any little bit helps," said the United Way’s Chris McNally.
Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September, the United Way has received nearly 400 calls for help through the state’s 211 system.
"This makes a huge difference for everybody coming in,” McNally said. “Since they’ve been displaced they’ve lost their jobs, they’re asking families for support coming here to Connecticut and they’re really looking for backing and that’s what we do at the United Way."
"I think it’s great," said Manchester resident Ayesha Nejias. "They need all the help they can get. And every little bit helps."
You can donate by going to the NBC Connecticut app or texting "GIVEONTUES" to 41444.
