Barrymore's Big Donation
Drew Barrymore is phoning home for Africa.
The E.T. star personally pledged $1 million of her own money Monday to the World Food Program, a United Nations initiative that aims to feed thousands of schoolchildren in Kenya.
The 33-year-old Barrymore, a WFP ambassador against hunger, announced her donation on The Oprah Winfrey Show to kick off the World Food Program's "Fill the Cup" campaign, which is seeking to persuade Americans to fork over cash to feed 10 million hungry kids for a year.
The program is part of a larger-scale crusade that hopes to raise $3 billion to guarantee nutritious school meals to at least 59 million young students in developing countries worldwide, but particularly those in Africa.
The food purchased with the money will boost poor children's chances for health, an education and a more promising future, according to the WFP.
"I have seen with my own eyes what a difference a simple cup of nutritious porridge can make in a child's life," the actress said. "It helps them learn, stay healthy and sets them on track for a bright future. I urge everyone—everywhere—to help WFP Fill the Cup for hungry children, and make hunger history."
As a WFP ambassador, Barrymore has traveled to Kenya twice in the past two years, including a visit to a school in the slums of Nairobi, to gain firsthand knowledge about the program's impact there and how a little donation goes a long way.
For instance, a $50 pledge (you can donate at wfp.org) will feed one child a cup of food each day for a year, according to the agency. Even 25 cents a day makes a difference by filling one daily cup of porridge, rice or beans bought from local farmers.
"We have a dream...to feed another 10 million hungry schoolchildren in Africa by Thanksgiving Day," said Josette Sheeran, WFP's executive director.
Barrymore revealed her generous contribution the day after the premiere of Winfrey's new reality game show, Oprah's Big Give, in which do-gooder contestants must give away money in order to win a million-dollar grand prize.
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