A few very generous celebrities, including the infamous Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, graciously gave of their time and energy yesterday by volunteering at the Los Angeles Mission yesterday to help prepare and serve food for the needy folks there. Along with Melissa Joan Hart, Alyssa Milano, Corbin Bleu, Melissa Gilbert and others, Speidi worked to ensure that some of the needy people of LA were treated to a much-needed Xmas Eve dinner. Here are a few pics from yesterday’s event:

Say what you will about Speidi or any of these celebs … but you have to be impressed with their constant efforts to give of their time to those in need. Speidi come out to the LA Mission EVERY SINGLE YEAR usually at Thanksgiving AND Xmas. They may be portrayed in one way on “reality TV” but they live their lives a different way (in some respects) in real life. Kudos go out to these celebs for reminding us that it is much better to give than to receive. Thanks to their efforts, there are a few less hungry folks in LA this holiday season.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

High School Musical star Zac Efron teamed up with Gifts.com to play Santa Claus for a bunch of needy and sick kids at the Mattel Children’s Hospital on the campus of UCLA yesterday afternoon. Opting to wear a leather bomber jacket in lieu of the traditional red suit and beard, Zac brought mirth, merriment and lots of toys for the kids who, unfortunately, will be spending the holidays in hospital care. Here are a few pics from yesterday’s event:

I understand that Zac took the time to sign autographs for, chat and take photos with every single kid at the hospital which I think is cool as hell. I think it’s really awesome that Efron would agree to do an event like this. I’m sure it must be really difficult for kids to spend Xmas in the hospital — no matter what their affliction — but getting to spend time with Zac Efron prolly makes up for some of their grief. Zac’s stock has shot thru the roof for me on this one … kudos to him for being such a swell guy.

[Photo credit: Wireimage]

Celebrities of varying types and degree braved the cold, rainy night here in LA to make their way to the D&G store opening on Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA last night for an event that raised money for the Art of Elysium charity. It turns out that Paris Hilton and Benji Madden, recently broken up, both showed up at the same party last night. Does this mean a reconciliation is in the works? Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals last night and some deets on the party itself:

Could a reunion be in the works for Paris Hilton and Benji Madden? It certainly looked that way [last night]. The two arrived mere minutes apart for the grand opening of the D&G boutique on Robertson Boulevard hosted by Rachel Bilson. Paris was doing interviews on the carpet as Nicole Richie and Joel Madden arrived together at the event, which benefitted Art of Elysium. After Nic and Joel took photos, they brushed right past Paris without even saying hello and headed inside the soiree. But when Benji arrived right behind them, it was another story … Paris’ ex-boyfriend stopped to greet her in mid-interview, and the two went inside the store together, where she quickly pulled him into a private corner so they could talk. The usually photo-happy heiress waved off photogs as the former couple chatted cozily together. After grabbing drinks at the bar, Paris quickly approached Nicole to say hi, and then she and Benji headed out to the smoking patio for some more quiet conversation. Both Paris and Benji looked happy and friendly as they hung together, but when asked if she and Benji were getting back together, all Paris offered was a knowing smile. Ultimately, Benji left the bash with Joel and Nicole, leaving Paris to hang with sister Nicky and David Katzenberg. And while Nicole looked superskinny again in tights and a tutu-type skirt, she ate french fries inside the fete. Also making the fashionable scene: Lauren Conrad, Kevin Connolly, Josh Brolin and newly single Ginnifer Goodwin.

HMMM. I don’t think I like the idea of Paris and Benji getting back together again. Mebbe they just had a few loose ends to tie up and this was the first time they were able to see one another since the break-up. I mean, a press-heavy event with lots of bystanders around may not be the ideal place to have a heart-to-heart with your former lover but we are talking about Paris Hilton here. If stuff like this didn’t happen in public, how would we know that she even exists? Overall, it sounds like it was a pretty good turn out for the event … afterall, if it’s one thing that the world needs in these trying economic times, it’s a new D&G boutique to shop in :)

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Heroes star Hayden Panettiere was on hand for a very cool in-store event in San Gabriel, CA over the weekend where she, in her capacity as Candie’s spokesmodel, went Xmas shopping with a few lucky girls from the Children’s Hospital in a charity promo event at a Kohl’s department store. Here are a few pics from this weekend’s event:

Except for the absolutely frightening Mrs. Claus above, the event looked like it was a lot of fun. I’m sure the girls from the hospital really enjoyed their shopping spree with Hayden. I really love how big companies and celebs themselves really get into the spirit of giving around the holidays. I guess we all get a little more generous around this time of the year … but I think it’s a really cool thing when celebs participate in events like this. Kudos and love goes out to Hayden, Candie’s and Kohl’s for organizing such a fun event. It’s seeing events like these that really help restore my faith in the humanity of celebs. Sure, Hayden’s not saving the world but I’m sure this Xmas will be an extra special one for these girls. Well done!

[Photo credit: Splash News]

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! I hope that all y’all are able to spend some time today with loved ones on this happy occasion or, at the very least, are able to enjoy a relaxing and lazy day whatever you choose to do today — wherever in the world. I am in Connecticut for a few days to spend time with David’s family … so posting today will be light.

Here are a few pics of some of the celebs who made their way out to the Crossroads of Hope Mission in Los Angeles, CA yesterday to generously donate of their time in order to help serve food to those in need. This annual event usually takes place outside but because of the massive rain that pummeled LA yesterday (in buckets, I saw it) the event had to be moved indoors:

Thousands of less-fortunate people had a happy Thanksgiving a day early as celebrities and elected officials made their annual trek to Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles to help distribute holiday meals. Acting legend Kirk Douglas and his wife, Anne, again hosted the annual holiday meal at the Los Angeles Mission. An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people c2owded into the Mission, which was moved inside because of the rain. “We’re going to be tight,” said Al Rossi, one of the mission’s directors. As celebrities filed into the Mission’s dining room, dozens of photographers crowded around, lighting the room up with a strobe of camera flashes fit for a red carpet. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spooned mixed vegetables onto plates while super model Cindy Crawford scooped mashed potatoes on his left and Kirk Douglas handled other traditional Thanksgiving fixings on his right. Several younger celebrities showed up, including “High School Musical” star Corbin Bleu, who has volunteered at the Mission before. “I’m a very blessed man, and at this time right now it’s just important to be able to give back what God has given to me,” Bleu said. Actors Wilmer Valderrama, Neal McDonough, Nora Zehetner, Joe Campana and model-turned-actress Natasha Alam carried plates out to the event’s attendees. “It’s taking actors back to their roots,” Campana said. “It takes you back to your waiter days.” In addition to the free meal, homeless attendees received free foot exams and health checks.

As always, I am so impressed that these celebs made the effort to give so selflessly of their time in order to help those who are less fortunate. Some of the celebs who came out this year came out last year and the year before that. It’s a very cool thing to see that some celebs are aware of how fortunate they are and they seem willing to give back year after year. These volunteers really show what the Thanksgiving spirit is all about. It’s a great sight to see!

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]

The happily coupled Nicole Richie and Joel Madden were on hand in Beverly Hills, CA last night to do the special honor of flipping the switch at the UNICEF and City of Beverly Hills 2008 Snowflake Lighting ceremony. Since being named as a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF back in July, duties like this fall to Joel and his equally charitable babymama Nicole … duties that the couple does take very seriously and suffer gladly. Here are a few pics from the event last night and some information about the event from a press release:

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced that Joel Madden, UNICEF Ambassador, and Nicole Richie will host UNICEF’s 2008 Beverly Hills Snowflake Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 22 at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard. The ceremony highlights the city of Beverly Hills’ “Light the Night” annual holiday event where the UNICEF Snowflake and the 20 Baccarat chandeliers that grace Rodeo Drive are illuminated to kick off the holiday season. Madden, lead vocalist for the critically acclaimed, platinum-album-selling band, Good Charlotte, was named UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador in July 2008 during CNN’s broadcast of “The Survival Project: One Child at a Time” and his first field visit as an official UNICEF Ambassador is scheduled for the fall. Richie is also no stranger to social and humanitarian causes as she and Madden recently formed the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation, a charity which provides funding to groups focused on improving pediatric health, education and human rights, both domestically and abroad. “We are honored to have Joel and Nicole participate in the Beverly Hills lighting ceremony,” says Caryl Stern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “With their tremendous commitment to UNICEF’s child survival mission, Joel and Nicole are the perfect people for UNICEF to share this meaningful tradition with” … Before Madden and Richie take the stage to flip the switch to illuminate the UNICEF Snowflake, guests will enjoy family activities and a visit from Santa Claus along Rodeo Drive. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display atop the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, which is home to the west coast UNICEF Snowflake. In conjunction with the lighting, the hotel has created the “Melted Snowflake,” a special drink in honor of the UNICEF Snowflake that will be served on the hot chocolate menu in The BLVD. Festivities begin at 3:00pm with the official lighting at 6:00pm.The UNICEF Snowflake Lighting is open to the public and the Snowflake will be illuminated for the entire holiday season serving as a beacon of hope, peace and compassion.

Aww … it sounds like a very nice ceremony. Altho Southern California isn’t the sort of place that many folks associate with a Winter Wonderland, it goes to show that the Xmas spirit can exist anywhere and the season can be celebrated anywhere. I just love how much time Nic/Joel devote to charitable events like this … Nicole, especially, has really turned her back on the wild and crazy days of youth and has matured into a responsible adult woman. Kudos to them both for all the work that they do and here’s to another year of charitable acts from Nic/Joel!

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]