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Stars Who Give Back

Take a note from these charitable celebs.

By Kathy Heintzelman and Patti Greco

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Jennifer Garner

When it comes to making a difference in young people’s lives, this Alias star is all about action: She volunteers for Save the Children, which offers early education, literacy, physical activity and nutrition programs to impoverished kids. Save the Children
jennifer garner photo
Photo by: David Gabber / PR Photos

Christina Applegate

A breast cancer survivor, Applegate launched The Right Action for Women foundation, which provides financial aid to at-risk women who can’t afford breast screenings. The Right Action for Women
Photo by: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Barbra Streisand

She’s donated millions to a variety of political and charitable causes through her organization, The Streisand Foundation. She’s currently working to raise $10 million dollars (of which she will match up to $5 million) for research, treatment and education on women’s heart disease at the Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai. The Streisand Foundation Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai
Photo by: David Gabber / PR Photos

Mariah Carey

She may call herself an Imperfect Angel, but judging from the work she’s done through the Make a Wish Foundation, she’s just an angel. Make a Wish Foundation
Photo by: RD / Kirkland / Retna Digital

Sharon Stone

The Casino icon bets on a healthier world as Global Fundraising Chairman for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). The organization teams up with healthcare workers and AIDS organizations in developing countries to create and implement effective HIV research, treatment, prevention, and education strategies. amFAR AIDS Research
Photo by: Janet Mayer / PR Photo

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

As she raises funds for environmental causes, she spreads the message that it’s not always easy being green, but it’s essential.

Louis-Dreyfus has worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council and is a board member of Heal the Bay, an organization devoted to keeping Southern California coastal waters — including the Santa Monica Bay — clean and safe.

National Resources Defense Council

Heal the Bay
Photo by: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Oprah Winfrey

Sure, she’s wildly wealthy, but she’s also generous: Both Winfrey and her Oprah’s Angel Network donate millions to help the needy.

Oprah’s Angel Network
Photo by: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Mariska Hargitay

The Law & Order: SVU star’s Joyful Heart Foundation sponsors therapeutic programs for victims of violence and abuse.

Joyful Heart Foundation
Photo by: Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

Salma Hayek

A longtime activist for abused women, this mother of a toddler is also the spokesperson for the Pampers "One Pack = One Vaccine" campaign to benefit UNICEF.

Pampers One Pack = One Vaccine campaign
Photo by: Janet Mayer / PR Photos

J.K. Rowling

Pre-Harry Potter, she was a single mom on welfare; now she gives millions to children in need and to multiple sclerosis research.

Rowling founded the Children’s High Level Group (now called Lumos), which helps children across central and eastern Europe, and she has worked with a U.K. group called One Parent Families.

Donate to the Children’s High Level Group

National Council for One Parent Families
Photo by: Solarpix / PR Photos

Sarah McLachlan

The animal lover has lent her voice — and hit songs such as "Angel" — to ads that have raised about $30 million for the ASPCA.

ASPCA
Photo by: Bob Charlotte / PR Photos

Ashley Judd

She recently butted heads with Sarah Palin over aerial wolf hunting, but her main focus for years has been on causes such as YouthAIDS.

YouthAIDS
Photo by: Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Bette Midler

The Divine One believes that, along with friends, you gotta have parks; her New York Restoration Project has changed the city’s landscape.

New York Restoration Project
Photo by: PRN / PR Photos

Cynthia Nixon

After both she and her mother beat breast cancer, the Sex and the City alum started speaking out for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Photo by: Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

Gloria Estefan

The Florida hit-maker’s eponymous foundation has donated more than $6 million to organizations including the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Miami Project to Cure Paralysis

 

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Photo by: Janet Mayer / PR Photos

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