Help is on the way this holiday season for some mom and pop shops in Stamford thanks to the help of a new program.

Stamford Downtown is offering a boost to local businesses this holiday season by offering people the option to buy a digital gift card, which can be used at a number of businesses in downtown Stamford. So far, more than 30 stores are on the list.

"We have very cooperative businesses, and they really all rally when we do programs like this," says Jackie Wetenhall, VP of Stamford Downtown Retail Development. "So we're really thrilled to have such diverse offerings."

Stamford Downtown says the idea came about after some local corporations had to cancel their end-of-the-year gatherings. They wanted to do something for their employees so there is an opportunity to buy the gift cards in bulk.