ROANOKE, Va. – After one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, thousands of people took time to give back for Giving Tuesday.
Local nonprofits are reaping the benefits of the worldwide day encouraging philanthropy and celebrating generosity.
"Giving Tuesday is a really big day for us," Angels of Assisi volunteer coordinator Jessica Worrell said.
Last year, Giving Tuesday donations totaled more than $180 million across the country. It was also a success for Angels of Assisi.
"We actually have a lot of families, instead of doing Christmas for themselves, they actually donate to us on Giving Tuesday as Christmas presents," Worrell said.
The donations support one of their biggest needs, which is rehabilitation for animals that are victims of hoarding.
"They all had skin issues, they all had to be spayed and neutered, some of them had to have some complicated surgeries," Worrell said.
Meanwhile, Feeding America Southwest Virginia put a unique spin on Giving Tuesday. Celebrity shoppers from Black Dog Salvage, Elevation Church and Q99 FM dashed through Kroger, collecting as many groceries as they could in 60 seconds, all to feed the hungry.
"Last year was very successful. We had enough to feed several families," Feeding America Southwest Virginia CEO and President Pamela Irvine said.
Four teams collected nearly $1,400 worth of food, which Kroger donated to the nonprofit.
"There's a lot of folks out there that haven't been as blessed as we are, and they're needing to feed their family, they're needing sustenance to get through the day," Black Dog Salvage co-owner Mike Whiteside said.
"It’s extremely important for people that have to remember those that do not have," Irvine said.
Dozens of organizations in southwest Virginia are asking for support on Giving Tuesday. Click here to find out how you can donate.