We dazzle at their greatness on the screen and stage, but it’s the actions celebrities take behind-the-scenes that truly make a difference in our community.
In honor of the holiday season, Good Celebrity shines a light on five stars that take time out of their busy schedules to use their high profile status to give back to the community.
Swift topped DoSomething.org’s list of most-charitable celebs the last two years. She continues to give back in creative ways, sharing her time and money with those in need.
After the release of her album 1989, Switch donated $50,000 from the proceeds of her single “Welcome to New York” to assist New York City Public Schools in 2014.
In 2015, she donated more than $100,000 to fans, children and families in need this past year.
One of Swift’s most memorable deeds was bringing priceless joy to her loyal fans’ hearts last Christmas. Swift gathered up personalized mementos and notes for her most loyal fans and shipped the gifts to them just in time for the holidays.
Swift’s dedication to her fans through these one-of-a-kind personalized touches proves she’s a true philanthropist who uses her celebrity status for good.
Bella Thorne took time away from her family on Christmas Eve to serve meals to more than 4,000 homeless individuals at the Los Angeles Mission in years past. The Disney Channel actress teamed up with fellow star Bianca Lawson in 2013 to help those without proper shelter and food.
Thorne continues to give back to the community by teaming up with organizations including the American Heart Association and STOMP Out Bullying.
Nick Grimshaw This year, Nick Grimshaw took time away from the set of UK’s X-Factor to pose for a festive holiday photo. The reality TV judge posed with Pudsey bear to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need Foundation. The campaign has raised more than $55 million during this holiday season.
This Christmas, support us by making a donation at https://t.co/SJTdj19muJ and receive an @grimmers Christmas e-card pic.twitter.com/lgzg9qUrmY — BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) December 4, 2015
Beyonce is another list-topping charitable celebrity. The singer’s organization BeyGood created a festive gathering for Bronx-area families in need right before Christmas to provide a warm meal and smiling faces. Her organization also raises awareness and funds for topics including HIV awareness and assistance in Haiti.
1.Think about what ur passionate about. 2.Find a charity that aligns with your passion. 3.GIVE BACK! #GivingTuesday https://t.co/oox886ww3l — BEYGOOD (@BeyGood) December 1, 2015
Ian Somerhalder actively fights for animal rights and he recently shared a photo with his wife to support the Humane Society. In the snapshot, the Vampire Diaries hunk urges fans to stand with him in the battle against animal fighting.
I’m Fighting DOGFIGHTING. Stand with me? Go to http://www.hsi.org/ian to see the rest of this video-this kind of malicious cruelty to animals is simply unacceptable. Using our collective voice is the only way to insure that we stop it. Stand with me. What do you think? A video posted by iansomerhalder (@iansomerhalder) on
His love for animals inspired Somerhalder to create his self-titled foundation, which “aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.” During this holiday season, Somerhalder is asked his foundation’s supporters to donate in support of a sanctuary purchased in Louisiana. Check out more information about the upcoming project below: