WORCESTER - A Worcester organization jumps into action, raising thousands of dollars to help support those affected by COVID-19.

Every spring, student-run nonprofit Working for Worcester hosts a build day where more than 1,000 students and local volunteers join to build playgrounds and recreation spaces across the city. 

It was postponed this year.

Instead, the alumni decided to launch a fundraising campaign to support the Worcester Together COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

In just five days, they raised more than $23,000. 

"We made it a bit of an internal competition...Which ever Executive Director could raise the most from their class. The Class of 2020, the one who haven't graduated yet, were able to have the most individual donors which is incredible because they're all still college students. It just speaks volumes to the type of people that are attracted to Worcester and that work for Worcester," said Working for Worcester alum Tommy Nixon.

Plans for a makeup Build Day are in the works. Nixon said they're hoping people are inspired by their challenge and participate in or create their own fundraising efforts.

You can make a donation by visiting United Way of Central Massachusetts' website here.