We love watching them in our favorite movies, TV shows or performing on a big stage. But we also love celebrities when they step up and use their star power, as well as their abundant resources, to help out during times of national crisis. So whether they’re writing a big check or doing something more personal—some like Dolly Parton do both—here’s how some stars are lending a hand to coronavirus relief.
Rock star John Bon Jovi regularly helps out folks in need in his beloved home state of New Jersey. At his JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey, customers already pay-what-you-can. But during the coronavirus crisis, the eatery is offering free meals—pickup only, of course. The rocker can often be spotted in the kitchen, washing dishes and doing any number of chores.
Action star Arnold Schwarzenegger donated $1 million in masks and other protective equipment to hospital workers battling the deadly virus. “This is a simple way to protect our real action heroes on the frontlines in our hospitals, and I’m proud to be part of it, “ he said on Instagram. The former California governor, has also regularly been posting on social media urging people to stay home, as well as offering home workout tips.
Actresses Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams have teamed up to create Save with Stories. This new initiative has their celeb pals reading stories on Facebook and Instagram to entertain and educate children and parents stuck at home due to the pandemic. They’re looking for donations, which they will funnel to the non-profit organizations Save the Children and No Kid Hungry to make sure the nation’s children are getting enough nutritious food during this crisis.
The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by superstar Rihanna, gave $1 million to a variety of organizations that are working toward coronavirus relief. The foundation outlined the ongoing need in a statement: “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, this pandemic will affect us all. And for the world’s most vulnerable, the worst may be yet to come.”
The Elton John Foundation has has been at the forefront of the AIDS battle for almost 30 years. Now, the foundation has added a Covid-19 emergency fund, which will make sure their “partners can respond to the effects of Covid-19 on HIV care for the most marginalized communities around the world,” wrote the singer on his Instagram account.
Pop star Taylor Swift has been randomly sending $3,000 to various fans to help them during this tough time. “Erin, I saw your tweets about the emotional and financial stress you are under right now and it made me want to help so badly,” Swift tweeted to a fan. Swift also swooped in to help employees from the famed Nashville record store Grimey’s New and Preloved Music; she offered to pay and provide healthcare for all of the store’s employees for three months.
