With Christmas melodies filling the stadium's air, an army of 500 elementary students from ten schools across Los Angeles gathered. They lined up to receive Demi Lovato's assistance in shopping for toys and Jordana Brewster sizing them for new winter jackets within an open-air shop that seemed plucked from the North Pole's set designer. This isn't a typical holiday scene; it's the remarkable work of Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that has made a name for itself in 13 years through its efforts for poverty-stricken children and its ability to mobilize a wide-reaching celebrity network.

Experience the Magic of Giving at Baby2Baby's Holiday Event

Holiday Shopping with Demi Lovato and Kendrick Lamar

On Tuesday, amidst LA's typical 70-degree December weather, the children's journey to BMO Stadium in South Los Angeles began with a mound of incongruous snow for sledding. Once inside, they engaged in clothes shopping and visited a toy shop where Kendrick Lamar was among the famous faces providing customer service. The first, second, and third graders shuffled through the stadium in squiggly lines, seemingly unaware that they were interacting with celebrated entertainers. This added to the sweetness of the scene.For these children, it was an extraordinary experience. They were able to choose toys and jackets, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. The presence of Demi Lovato and Kendrick Lamar made the event even more memorable, showing that even celebrities care about the well-being of these underprivileged kids.

Baby2Baby's Impact on Children's Lives

Musician Kelly Rowland has been working with Baby2Baby for ten years. She emphasizes the organization's ability to make one work hard. "Baby2Baby will put you to work and that's the best part," she said. When she was pregnant with her first son, she began collaborating with the nonprofit.An onlooker might notice the sea of beaming, gap-toothed faces and think it's an easy task. But there's a delicate care and vulnerability required when serving young customers. Rowland shared a touching moment when she interacted with a girl who opened up to her. "You can feel everything you want. You're going to talk to me, and I'm going to listen to every single thing you have to say," she remembered. It's beautiful to hear their stories and perspectives.She's also moved by the selflessness of the kids, especially those who shop with their siblings in mind. "I say, 'That's so sweet that you want to get something for your sister, but what do you want?' And then I sneak an extra toy in there," she laughed. "I just let them guide me because this is their moment."

Olivia Wilde's Experience at the Toy Shop

In another corner of the toy shop, Olivia Wilde filled her shoppers' bags with a variety of items, from NASA Legos to friendship bracelet-making kits. She believes the day is about agency and the freedom to choose.One boy told her, "I want to pick something small so I can make sure I keep it safe." Wilde appreciated his honesty and his desire to find something that would last. Every child here reminds her of her own children, Otis and Daisy."It's so wonderful to notice (the children at the event) feeling special and to know what it's like when a kid feels taken seriously," she said. "I just think it's about respect."

Baby2Baby's Efforts to Bridge the Gap

If one of the cruel aspects of poverty is the loss of choice, Baby2Baby has worked hard to fill that gap. Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof have built their organization with the goal of solving problems that others often overlook. For example, they started manufacturing their own diapers to meet the needs of families struggling with rising prices.They also established a disaster relief team that aims to serve the specific needs of families in the aftermath of emergencies. Recently, they helped with relief operations related to Hurricanes Milton and Helene by providing cribs at shelters.The involvement of their celebrity network has been crucial to their growth and reach. "I think we've been very lucky with the group that we have assembled, and they couldn't be more supportive. They're not names on a piece of paper and they really show up for us, walk the walk," Weinstein said.