Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and more celebs donate towards hurricane relief efforts

As the United States recovers from the horrific devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several tinsel town stars have come forward to provide aid. Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Brady and Dolly Parton are among the stars who have contributed to relief efforts.

On Wednesday, Feeding America thanked Taylor Swift for her $5 million donation to help communities impacted by the hurricanes.

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for her generous $5 million donation to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief effort. This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms. Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead. Thank you, Taylor, for standing with us in the movement to end hunger and for helping communities in need.”

Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds also contributed $1 million to Feeding America’s efforts. “Their longtime support of Feeding America in times of crisis has helped our network on the ground before, during and after disasters,” she said in a statement on Thursday. “These funds will help food banks provide basic needs like water, ready to eat food and supplies to communities facing heartbreaking loss and a long recovery."

Since Hurricane Helene’s landfall, Feeding America has delivered over 140 truckloads of food, water, and other supplies to 11 food banks across the impacted regions.

NFL legend Tom Brady joined the effort by donating $100,000 to hurricane relief, which was matched by Give with Gopuff. Brady urged people to "keep those impacted by these storms in your prayers" and continue supporting neighbours during this challenging time.

Last week, country music icon Dolly Parton donated $1 million to Mountain Ways, an organisation providing immediate relief to East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and the Appalachian regions. The donation was matched by her Dollywood Foundation and local businesses.

Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida on Wednesday, has claimed at least 13 lives and left threemillion people without power. The state is also recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused five deaths in Florida and more than 200 elsewhere.