Photos: (Getty)
It's time to get in some Latin love, because National Hispanic Heritage Month has begun! The celebrations began on September 15 and go until October 15, and we wanted to get in on the festivities by highlighting 8 Hispanic celebrities who also happen to give back in incredible ways.
+ Bruno Mars
Peter Gene Hernandez, better known to the world as Bruno Mars, is one quarter Puerto Rican and 100% awesome. He's involved with the fight against poverty, and used his singing prowess to help out at an Alzheimer's charity event. And he also helped the self-esteem of people everywhere with his song, "Just The Way You Are." Gotta love these lyrics: "When I see your face (face face...)/There's not a thing that I would change/'Cause you're amazing (amazing)/Just the way you are (are)."
+ Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne has Cuban heritage, and her philanthropic efforts have graced the pages of MTV Act more than once. To encourage students to do better in school, she got involved with Get Schooled and was a principal for a day....which of course meant she had to do the Harlem Shake. She's also a spokesperson for the Thirst Project, which gives clean water to those in need. And by need we mean the 780 million people in the world who lack access to clean drinking water!
+ Snooki
Snooki is one of New Jersey's most famous residents, but she was born in Chile. She was big on helping the MTV's "Restore the Shore" work (she even got a pedicure for the cause!). She's also really big into LGBTQ rights and taking a stand against bullies. Plus, she wants to make sure that if you want to have a baby someday, you don't have one till you're ready.
+ Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to giving back! She was one of the stars sparkling at the Inspiration Gala, hosted by the Foundation for AIDS Research. She used her voice at the Chime for Change concert, which helps women's fight for equality, and for years she's been behind her own Lopez Family Foundation, which helps women and kids. Viva La Lopez!
+ Tyler Posey
MTV's own Tyler Posey has Mexican heritage on his mom's side. His mom is also a three-year cancer survivor but unfortunately, Tyler lost his aunt to cancer, so fighting cancer is especially personal to him. He's going to be taking part in the Greater Los Angeles Light The Night Walk for the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in October, and he's exceeded his $10,000 fundraising goal. So what does a "Teen Wolf" do when he reaches his goal? He makes a bigger one. Tyler is now asking for $15,000 in donations and you donate to his walk right here.
+ Selena Gomez
"Philanthropy" should pretty much be Selena Gomez's middle name. She recently made The Hollywood Reporter's Philanthropy Issue for all her good deeds involving the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, and she makes a point of visiting hospitals. Probably Selena's fave org is UNICEF...and as its youngest ambassador, she must be making the org proud with all her good work!
+ Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato often talks about self-esteem, mental health and overcoming self-harm. She got into more international issues by making the point of spending her 21th birthday on a volunteer trip to Africa. She's also announced a motivational book, "Staying Strong," to help people through their day-to-day. It's due out this fall, and we can't wait!
+ Christina Aguilera
"The Voice" judge Xtina is very proud of her Hispanic heritage, and she should also be proud of all her good deeds! She's spoken up about body image and self-esteem by saying, "I embrace my body, and I embrace everything about myself. . . I'm embracing everything that I've grown to be and learned to be." The singer also visited Rwanda in June and is spreading awareness about fighting world hunger.
