Stars Who Give Back

This star was named Avon's first-ever Honorary Chairperson more than four years ago and has been the Global Ambassador of the brand ever since. The foundation, dedicated to empowering and improving women's lives, focuses on finding a cure for breast cancer and an end to domestic abuse. "Although the problem may seem insurmountable," Witherspoon says, "there are ways for women and men everywhere to help bring an end to violence against women across the globe."
How to help: avonfoundation.org

Who knew the Lara Croft franchise would have inspired such social change? When Jolie was filming the flick in Cambodia in 2000, she was struck by the humanitarian crises happening at refugee camps around the world. In the 10 years she has served as UNHCR's leading Goodwill Ambassador, she has visited refugees in more than 20 countries. Her goal? To protect the refugee's rights and help them restart their lives.
How to help: unhcr.org

The boundary-pushing "Born this Way" singer has become the leading lady of the LGBT community, and as the spokeswoman for the MAC AIDS Fund, she encourages everyone — "women and gay men are my special little monsters," she says — to gain awareness about HIV and AIDS. Partnering with the top beauty brand, she encourages people of all ages, races, and sexual orientations to get empowered and protect themselves.
How to help: maccosmetics.com

Just because hospital-bound kids can't go to the movies doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to see what's playing on the big screen. The actress serves on the advisory board for this nonprofit, which screens new releases to patients with life-threatening illnesses. She has even showcased her own flicks for the cause.
How to help: lollipoptheater.org

The First Lady is taking a stand against childhood obesity by fighting it head-on. Announced in 2010, the campaign's goal is to raise a healthier generation of kids and encourages a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise — with a focus on community involvement. Who doesn't remember Michelle jumping, dancing, and Dougie-ing to Beyoncé's "Move Your Body" with 500 middle school students this past May?
How to help: letsmove.gov

After discovering that one out of every five kids is growing up in poverty in the U.S., Garner has been active as the organization's Artist Ambassador. "By the time they're four years old, they are 18 months behind, developmentally, where your children will be," she says of the children that the literacy program works with. "We also teach kids just fundamentally how to make healthy choices."
How to help: savethechildren.org

The Twilight star stuns fans on the red carpet, but she didn't always live the charmed life. "I grew up with limited funds, so when I saved enough to buy my prom dress, it was such a highlight in my teenage life," the spokesperson says of the national charity drive where women can donate their worn dresses to someone who can't afford one. "My dresses all hold sentimental value, but if donating them can give someone else the same feeling I once had, it's completely worth it."
How to help: donatemydress.org