NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The Web site Yelp.com scouts out local businesses and connects the information with those who live or work in the community.
Users can read and leave reviews on anything from spa and health services to restaurants and shopping.
The site is now taking it a bit further by linking volunteers to nonprofits.
Tuesday they will host the event Yelp Helps, but all week Yelpers have volunteered to give back to the community, working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Second Harvest Food Bank, The Contributor and Youth Encouragement Services thus far.
"We kicked it off at Second Harvest Food Bank where we had Yelpers come out for two hours and we packed over 5,000 pounds of food and nearly 1,100 lunches for kids in need," Marcia Masulla told Nashville's News 2, adding, "We've had ongoing activities through Big Brother Big Sister and we still have a few left as well."
Saturday volunteers are invited to help out at Habitat for Humanity.
Masulla says they chose a vast array or organizations to support different areas of service.
"Yelp definitely supports connecting people with great local businesses, but we also wanted to make sure that we invested in our community, which includes nonprofits, and we do work with them throughout the year," she explained.
"We thought it would be great to celebrate them in a way like Yelp Helps, which is why we have the huge celebration which is a lot of fun for everyone but our admission is to really get everyone involved in their community," Masulla continued.
The Second Annual Yelp Helps event will be held August 28 at The Cannery Ballroom in Nashville.
Fifteen area nonprofits will have information booths set up at the event.
The 21-and-over party is free, but reservations are required.
Donations will support the local nonprofit community.
Visit Yelp.com for more information.
