A business organization in Morristown kicked off a program this week to try to boost shopping at family-owned businesses.

During ?Discover Morristown? week, businesses will offer shoppers free tastings, makeovers and screenings. The Morristown Partnership, in charge of the program, said it is a way to get people to shop in the town and foster a sense of community.

Many mom-and-pop stores have been suffering due to construction in the area. Some storeowners said sales have been down since a new department store, parking garage and condominiums started being built. Some customers said they plan to shop in the area again once the construction is complete.

The Morristown Partnership said for every dollar spent at a family-owned store, half of that money stays in the community.