PORTLAND (WGME) -- On Giving Tuesday, Catholic Charities Maine put its focus on helping people stay warm.
Tuesday, the organization handed out free hand-knit hats, scarves and mittens in Portland.
Organizers say they received more than 500 items to give to people in need this winter.
"We just want it to be a simple time where people in need around Portland can get ready for the colder weather and just come by and grab items that they need,” Catholic Charities Maine Communications Manager Kathy Hayden said. “The special thing about all this is most of it is hand-knit by our volunteers both statewide and even outside of the state. We have some Florida knitters. And you know, it's just spread through word of mouth."
Catholic Charities Maine says any hats and scarves left will be given out through their various programs.
Last year, an estimated 35 million Americans participated on Giving Tuesday, raising about $2.7 billion for charity.