TAMPA, Fla. — Giving Tuesday usually happens in December. 

But, with more people needing help during the coronavirus crisis, "Giving Tuesday Now" has been moved to to help generate donations for local charities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, the call for help is helping non-profits get some much needed resources. 

The Community Food Pantry in Tampa is participating. The group said it has seen a 272 percent increase in the amount of people served each week.

The pantry operates out of Village Presbyterian Church in Tampa and typically feeds about 10,000 people each year. Last year, the group assisted about 1,100 families. Pantry officials said they assisted 1,400 families during the month of April. 

The huge increase in need has put a strain on the pantry's stockpile of goods.

Pantry officials said Giving Tuesday is a way to help boost local non-profits like the pantry and others across the Bay area. 

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