Vermont Community Foundation President Stuart Comstock-Gay discusses end-of-year giving trends in Vermont.

An update on what has been accomplished so far and what is left to rebuild after Tropical Storm Irene and end-of-year giving trends in Vermont.

Fundraising efforts have raised millions to help Vermonters recover from Tropical Storm Irene. But organizers say there's still a lot to be done to assess what the need is for the funds.

In the ten weeks since Tropical Storm Irene ravaged the state, Vermonters have given generously to help those whose lives were up-ended by the storm. Non-profit officials say at least $7 million has been raised through a combination of statewide efforts and dozens of local funds.

As 2009 ends, charitable organizations across Vermont are hoping that donors will take a last chance to be generous-and perhaps get a tax break or two.  But a new report puts the state near the bottom in the nation when it comes to the number of dollars donated per capita. And yet, the tough economy is also showing a surprising silver lining.