'Giving Tuesday' inspires charity on Long Island

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, "Giving Tuesday" - a day that inspires post-Black Friday and Cyber Monday philanthropy - hit Long Island. Eileen Petrillo, of Ridge, spent the day sorting

News 12 Staff

•

Dec 2, 2015, 3:49 AM

•

Updated 3,312 days ago

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, "Giving Tuesday" - a day that inspires post-Black Friday and Cyber Monday philanthropy - hit Long Island.

Eileen Petrillo, of Ridge, spent the day sorting food at the Long Island Cares food bank.

"I think it's really imperative to try to give a little back," Petrillo told News 12. "A lot of people can't give money, but they can give time."

Giving Tuesday was started three years ago to emphasize helping charities during the holidays. However, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says to do proper research before donating to a charity.

"New Yorkers deserve to know how charities spend their donations and we'll continue to raise awareness so donors can make informed decisions," says Schneiderman.

Schneiderman says that donors should never be pressured by telemarkerters to make a donation. He says donating through the Web is OK, but to make sure to donate through secure sites.