From feeding the hungry to granting wishes for children, celebrities find creative and impactful ways to give back during the holidays. While they may have vast resources and high-profile platforms, many of their efforts demonstrate that giving back doesn’t always require wealth or fame—sometimes it’s about offering your time, skills, or voice to uplift others.
Take Cues From Celebrities: 10 Meaningful Ways to Give Back During the Holidays
Here are 10 inspiring ways celebrities give back during the holidays and how you can get involved too.
1. Hosting Charity Events
Many celebrities host charity events during the holiday season to raise funds for important causes. These events can range from galas and concerts to auctions or food drives, where the proceeds go to charities that support those in need. For example, Beyoncé has been known to host benefit concerts, with the proceeds supporting various organizations focused on education, poverty, and disaster relief.
How you can give back: While you may not be able to throw a large-scale event, you can organize local fundraising events with your friends, family, or community. Consider hosting a holiday bake sale, a charity dinner, or even a virtual fundraiser to support causes that matter to you.
2. Volunteering Time at Shelters
Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, and Kristen Bell are known for spending time at shelters during the holidays, serving food to the homeless or distributing gifts to families in need. Volunteering allows them to connect directly with people in their communities and make a hands-on difference during the holiday season.
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How you can give back: Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or food bank. Many organizations welcome extra help during the busy holiday season, and your time can make a big impact on someone’s holiday experience.
3. Donating Large Sums to Charities
During the holidays, many celebrities donate significant amounts of money to their favorite charities. Oprah Winfrey, for instance, is well-known for her philanthropic efforts, often making large donations to causes that focus on education, health, and women’s empowerment. Taylor Swift is another celebrity who regularly makes holiday donations to food banks and local charities.
How you can give back: While you may not have millions to give, you can still make a difference by donating to causes close to your heart. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small. Consider setting aside a portion of your holiday budget for a charitable cause or participating in giving campaigns like #GivingTuesday.
4. Partnering with Organizations to Grant Wishes
Many celebrities work with organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses during the holidays. Stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Justin Bieber have partnered with these organizations to make children’s dreams come true, spreading joy and hope during the holiday season.
How you can give back: Look into organizations that grant wishes or offer support to children in need. You can volunteer your time, donate, or even participate in gift-giving programs like “Adopt-A-Family” to provide holiday gifts to families who might otherwise go without.
5. Supporting Food Banks and Hunger Relief Efforts
Celebrities often use their platforms to address food insecurity, a problem that affects millions of people, especially during the holidays. Stars like Scarlett Johansson, Chrissy Teigen, and Bruno Mars have all made contributions to food banks and hunger relief organizations, ensuring that families have food on their tables during the festive season.
How you can give back: You can donate non-perishable food items to your local food bank or contribute financially to hunger relief organizations. Volunteering at food drives or hosting your own food collection event are also great ways to give back during the holidays.
