It’s the time of year when people are in the spirit of giving. Whether it’s to local organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Salvation Army, the holidays bring out the best in people. The same goes for celebrities, who show their generosity year round. In honor of Thanksgiving, check out the list of charitable celebs who give to their charities everyday.
Charlize Theron: Africa Outreach Project
The Academy Award-winning South African actress and UN Messenger of Peace founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007, in an effort to support African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Theron has dedicated herself to improving the lives of women and children in South Africa, and to preventing and stopping violence. In 2009, she partnered with TOMS shoes and donated 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in need, with a portion of the proceeds going to CTAOP.
For more information, visit www.charlizeafricaoutreach.org.
Derek Jeter: Turn 2 Foundation
Perhaps one of the greatest short stops (and arguably athletes) of all time, Derek Jeter is no stranger to giving. In 1996, The former New York Yankee created the Turn 2 Foundation, which helps children and teenagers avoid drug and alcohol addiction and “turn 2” a healthy lifestyle.
The organization is named after the double play and Jeter’s number. To date, Turn 2 has raised more than $19 million for programs in New York City, Western Michigan and Tampa, FL. In celebration of its 20th anniversary. Jeter’s goal for the foundation is to reach $2 million in donations.
For more information, visit www.derekjeter.com.
Michael J. Fox: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
In 1991, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Since then, the actor, producer, author and activist has fought tirelessly to give those who have the disease a voice.
Fox established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research in the world, raising more than $450 million in funds.
For more, visit www.michaeljfox.org.
Christy Turlington Burns: Every Mother Counts
This supermodel isn’t just another pretty face; she is also a mom and entrepreneur who founded Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother.
Like Theron, Turlington Burns also teamed up with TOMS to release a limited edition backpack and tote. With every bag purchase, TOMS helps provide a safe birth for a mother and a baby in need. Every Mother Counts invests in programs around the world to ensure all women have access to quality maternal healthcare.
For more information, visit www.everymothercounts.org.
