United Way of the National Capital Area is kicking off its second Do More 24 crowdfunding event on Thursday. Funding goes to hundreds of nonprofits in the DC region. Over 570 nonprofits have registered and the United Way NCA hopes to pass last year's $1.3M raised from over 11,000 donors. Pepco is a sponsor and runs United Way's Shoebox project during Do More 24, collecting shoeboxes filled with basic needs or emergency preparedness. The boxes go to nonprofits serving disconnected youth, vets, and the homeless. This year’s goal is 1,200 boxes.

United Way NCA also made some changes to this year’s event by hiring Kimbia to help host and manage the platform. The company is well known for doing 24-hour online campaigns all over the country. DC-area restaurants like Cava Mezze will donate some funds from diners to the campaign or specific nonprofits. United Way NCA CEO Rose Allen-Herring says the event is a slightly different way of connecting with donors rather than through its traditional workplace giving programs. It also shines a spotlight on nonprofits that may not have the marketing budget.