by Zack Mandell

Created on: December 10, 2010

Hollywood stars are known to make generous contributions to the charities of their choice. Those people who go beyond donating money are those who make the causes a part of their life's work. A handful of today's biggest stars are associated with certain causes that remain close to their hearts. The following is a list of some of those celebrities along with examples of their goodwill.

Bono (Africa, AIDS): The U2 frontman might be the first person who comes to mind when one thinks of celebrity causes. He's been a controversial figure at times, but Bono is known as one of the most prominent celeb do-gooders, maintaining his position as an advocate for helping impoverished African nations, where AIDS and poverty are rampant. He's also passionate about the U.S. helping these African countries with their national debt. In 2005 Bono created DATA, an organization which unites the four causes closest to his heart. The acronym stands for Debt, AIDS, Trade and Africa. He was also behind the ONE campaign.
DATA Official Website: www.Data.org

Angelina Jolie (Human rights): The "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" actress reportedly became passionate about humanitarian work after traveling to Cambodia in 2001 to shoot scenes for Lara Croft. The visit, which exposed Jolie to civilian life in the region, resulted in the actress reaching out to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). In 2001 she became a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization and subsequently arranged a series of trips to different third world countries. Angelina Jolie is currently in the process of directing her own movie, with the latest shooting taking place in Hungary. The story at the heart of the film centers on a love that blossoms during the Bosnian War. Though locals have at times protested the filming, Jolie's latest project is evidence of her hopes to educate viewers on the experience of these people, namely Bosnian war refugees.
Website for UNHCR: www.unhcr.org

Leonardo DiCaprio (Environment): Though he's a natural heartthrob with ladies, Leo DiCaprio cares more about less superficial things, namely protection of the environment. The 36-year-old has long made it known that this cause is a priority in his life, and his actions prove it. According to MTV's Think campaign, DiCaprio refuses to fly on private jets because they waste fuel. Leo also drives a hybrid car and uses solar power energy in his home. The Inception star is currently working a documentary film, titled The 11th Hour, which

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