I'm in the Giving Spirit: Celebrities Who Are Giving Back to Their Communities for the Thanksgiving Season
Image Credit: Keith Lee (Instagram)
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, embracing and celebrating people who make an impact on us feels essential.
With families preparing hot meals, gathering at the long dinner table or courageously giving back to their community, Thanksgiving amplifies the spirit of giving and generosity.
This year, many celebrities have exemplified that generosity by using their influence and resources to put smiles on many faces around the nation.
For many celebrities, contributing to a Thanksgiving drive or charity giveaway stems from the emotions tied to a time when they could relate to not having the luxuries they now enjoy.
Having a deep understanding through their past life experiences, their actions this year show the giving spirit as they strive to give back and make an impact in their communities
Take a look at these celebrities shaping the Thanksgiving season, one turkey at a time.
Keith Lee
For this influencer, giving away food has been a dedication from the beginning of his successful career. Rising to fame through his viral TikTok videos, food critic Keith Lee has always shown his commitment to impacting people’s lives.
Touring the country, trying different restaurants and giving his honest reviews have left many businesses booming, with staggering lines flowing out the door. Business owners couldn’t thank Lee enough for sharing his platform, which transformed their lives and businesses.
This year, Lee is doing what he does best by serving the community and sharing his platform. In a recent TikTok post, Lee resonated with those affected by the recent government shutdown, especially those who rely heavily on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
He emphasized the severity of the situation by explaining that before amassing 17 million followers on TikTok, he would hand out hot meals to the less fortunate, and that was made possible by programs like SNAP.
Lee highlighted how the shutdown could affect the holiday season and called on many brands to join him in giving away meals.
“I want this to specifically be about the families we feed and the holidays and the families that we are able to take care of. That’s all I care about,” Lee said.
His transparency and authentic perspective had Lee’s comment section packed with many brands offering to support his notable efforts.
Rod Wave
American musician Rod Wave, known for his unique sound and chart-topping songs that blend R&B and Hip-Hop with pain and poetry, has also assisted those in need for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The St. Petersburg, Fla, native hosted his first Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway in his hometown and in Atlanta. In a TikTok post, the musician recognized those impacted by the SNAP benefit cuts.
He jokingly said, “That boy Trump is acting funny with the money I got to make some calls until we figure it out.”
With this being Wave’s first Thanksgiving giveaway, he explained that he tried to hit the cities where he knows people and is connected with. He emphasized his hopes to expand the event in the future.
“Hopefully, next year we can get five or six more cities,” Wave said.
Both events in each city took place on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. on a first—come, first-served basis, according to the flyer posted on his Instagram story.
Kandi
Kandi Burruss, a woman of many titles including singer, songwriter, reality TV star, producer, Broadway performer and so much more, hosted her annual Thanksgiving pop-up/giveback.
In a recent Instagram post, Burruss announced that on Saturday, Nov. 22, in East Point, Ga., she will be joining Goodr, a nonprofit, to give back with her foundation, Kandi C.A.R.E.S. Burruss advised all families in need of assistance to register via KandiCares.Org/ThanksGiving.
Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat professional basketball player Bam Adebayo doesn’t just provide entertainment for the sport; he will also support those in need this Thanksgiving. This past week, Adebayo joined his teammates and coaches for the Miami Heat’s 34th annual HEAT Thanksgiving celebration.
In a successful effort, Adebayo and other Miami Heat affiliates distributed 600 Thanksgiving gift baskets to underserved families in the community, according to WPLG Local 10 News. 450 Hot meals were also provided. Turkey, stuffing and corn on the cob were just a few of the many options available.
“It’s our job to give back, as I said; they come watch us play. They try to watch us play anyway possible, and we inspire them, so being able to inspire somebody, and obviously giving back at the same time, it's like you meet in the middle and having those small interactions, you never know how that can change somebody's day,” Adebayo said.
Jesseca-Harris Dupart
Kaleidoscope Hair Products CEO, entrepreneur, businesswoman, mother and wife Jesseca-Harris Dupart hosted a Turkey Giveaway on Monday, Nov. 24, in Atlanta.
On her Instagram page, Dupart announced a Turkey Giveaway that would feed 500 families while supplies last. Known for her outstanding work with her company, Kaleidoscope, which promotes healthy hair care, according to the website, Dupart has consistently been recognized for a strong work ethic and a courageous spirit.
This year’s Thanksgiving giveaway is proof of her continuous efforts.
Busta Rhymes
Legendary rapper and producer, Busta Rhymes, gave back to his community in a way that many recognize him for. Rhymes, a man of persistence in the rap game, threw a concert in Brooklyn.
The charity concert was titled “The Blessings Don’t Stop.” This marked Rhymes' first annual community concert that focused on giving back to the community. In a large turnout, Rhymes brought other musicians with him to help tie the event together.
He invited well-known rappers, Papoose, M.O.P., Talib Kweli, Scarlip, 41, Big Daddy Kane and a few others.
This free event, hosted at the Brooklyn Bowl, followed a community turkey giveaway in which Rhymes also participated.
Rhymes’ dedication to helping his community has solidified his place in Brooklyn and officially earned him a proclamation declaring Nov. 24 Busta Rhymes Day. Even on a day meant to celebrate his achievements, Rhymes is still engaging with the community and continuing his philanthropic work.
This Thanksgiving season, the spirit of giving is in the air. Even celebrities are using their influence to go beyond the typical image that fans portray them in. As the holidays swiftly approach us, the stars are getting out into the community, shifting perspectives and assisting those who need it most, reminding people that the true essence of the season is about generosity.
