The holiday season shines a little brighter this year as celebrities and brands rally together for the 21st annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign, a cornerstone initiative by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. With a mission to fight childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, this beloved campaign continues to unite Hollywood’s stars, top retailers, and generous consumers across the U.S.
This year, Drew Barrymore, country music sensation Lainey Wilson, and acclaimed actor Jon Hamm headline the campaign, joining longtime supporters like Sofia Vergara, Michael Strahan, and Luis Fonsi. These celebrities bring not only their star power but heartfelt messages, aiming to inspire millions to contribute to this lifesaving cause.
Celebrities Share the Spirit of Giving
Drew Barrymore, known for her roles in iconic films and as a beloved talk show host, shared her enthusiasm for joining the campaign. “As a mother, I truly understand the impact a child’s health has on a family. There’s nothing like the power of community coming together to support families through hard times,” Barrymore expressed, urging her fans to join her in supporting St. Jude this season.
Country music artist Lainey Wilson reflected on the power of music therapy at St. Jude. “Music moves my soul, and so do the kids at St. Jude. Spending time with them has shown me the profound impact this incredible place has,” Wilson shared, highlighting her passion for the campaign.
Jon Hamm, a steadfast supporter for over 20 years, spoke of the meaningful work St. Jude accomplishes. “Being part of this campaign allows us all to make a real difference. It’s humbling to witness how these efforts save lives,” Hamm noted, calling for everyone to join the fight against childhood cancer.
Other stars like Sofia Vergara and Michael Strahan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the joy and hope the campaign brings to families during challenging times. “Life is deeply precious,” said Vergara, lauding the medical breakthroughs achieved by St. Jude.
A Star-Studded Legacy
The campaign traces its roots to entertainer Danny Thomas, whose vision to provide free care to children with cancer led to the founding of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His legacy lives on as celebrities and his own children, Marlo, Tony, and Terre Thomas, continue to champion the cause. Each year, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign serves as a powerful reminder of what collective generosity can achieve.
Top Brands Join the Mission
Major brands are also stepping up to support the campaign through donations and special holiday products. Domino’s, Kay Jewelers, Williams Sonoma, HomeGoods, and AutoZone are just a few of the names offering shoppers a chance to make a difference. Initiatives range from donation options at checkouts to the sale of limited-edition products, with proceeds directly benefiting St. Jude.
For example, Kay Jewelers will donate a portion of sales from plush puppies and bears, while Williams Sonoma offers specialty holiday items like spatulas and ornaments. HomeGoods customers can purchase snow globes and holiday cards, with 50% of proceeds supporting St. Jude.
Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways to contribute:
- Tune In: Watch the NBC TODAY Show during Thanksgiving week for inspiring stories from St. Jude patients and families.
- Shop for Good: Choose brands participating in the campaign to add meaning to your holiday shopping.
- Donate Directly: Make a donation online or at participating retailers, knowing every dollar helps families focus on their children’s health rather than medical bills.
The Heart of the Campaign
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has always been a beacon of hope, ensuring families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, expressed his gratitude: “Thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters, St. Jude can continue to make groundbreaking discoveries and save children’s lives worldwide.”
As you enjoy the holiday season, consider joining Drew Barrymore, Jon Hamm, Lainey Wilson, and many others in giving back. Together, we can make miracles happen for the children of St. Jude. Visit StJude.org to learn more and support the cause.
