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If you're a pro-wrestling fan, you know what The Rock says... "Be a volunteer?!"

That's right: This WWF superstar has proven himself not just as the people's champion, but as "the people's wish" by visiting terminally ill children as part of his commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Rock is just one of many celebs who believes in a cause and actually does something about it. And so can you!

Volunteering after school and on weekends looks great on college applications, gives you valuable experience in the working world, and makes you feel great for contributing to a cause, says Rebecca Greene, author of The Teenagers' Guide to School Outside the Box (Free Spirit Publishing, 2001). "Think about what you can offer and what the activity can offer you." As The Rock would say -- "Know your role!"

Helping Others...Talk About a "Royal Flush!"
Prince William did a lot of flushing recently on his excursion to Tortel, a small village in Chile -- literally! As part of his community service project, the gracious Prince scrubbed toilets, among other tasks, in an effort to repair the isolated and neglected town. The Prince and 109 fellow volunteers embarked upon a 10-week expedition of charity work, traveling to forgotten and underdeveloped corners of the world. They tackled terrifying thunder storms, risked disease, taught village children to speak English, and rebuilt run-down homes. In fact, one night their camp caught fire because of the torrential winds that blew onto the coastal border.

But did they mind? Not at all!? Prince William is said to have had the time of his life, and his service tribe felt just the same. How could you not feel great when you're surrounded by young children whose lives you've just made brighter?

Jewel Asks Fans to Buy Someone A Drink of Water
Want a glass of water? Turn on the sink and fill 'er up. Need to take a quick shower? Hop on in and scrub. In the mood for some soup? Boil some water and pop open a can of Campbell's.These H2O-dependent staples are easy to take for granted. But just think how it would be if you didn't have the luxury of water on tap. Such is the harsh reality for those in developing countries. In fact, many women and children spend hours each day getting water from various sources (most of which is polluted) to use sparingly, as necessary.

That's why singer Jewel is turning on her goodwill tap by founding the Clearwater Project of Higher Ground for Humanity. A donation of just $8 to the project can provide one person with a year's supply of water; $48, a reliable water supply to a family of six. Jewel's gift back to donors is access to an exclusive online concert at Netaid.org.

"We are very excited to have Netaid.org help us raise awareness about the importance of clean water," said Jewel and her mother Lenedra Carroll. "We hope Clearwater Project will reach its goal for providing pure, safe water for everyone."

>> To learn more, donate money, or volunteer your talents, visit Netaid.org or www.clearwaterproject.org.

Helping Our Furry Friends...Stars Stick Up for Man's best friend
A favorite charity of many animal-loving celebs is the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), one of the largest animal rights activist groups in the world. Their focus is on preventing animal cruelty in the entertainment industry, and ending the use of animals in scientific experiments.Supporters include singer Fiona Apple, who donated a signed lithograph of herself to the group, and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who donated an autographed T-shirt and also promotes PETA at the band's concerts.

One of its latest supporters, 15-year-old David Gallagher (Simon on the WB's 7th Heaven), is not only trying to put an end to animal dissection in college labs, he's also offering an idea to solve the problem: that students use technological aids that are just as visual instead of using real animals. "You'll learn just as much about animals -- including respect for them," says David, who has been featured with his dog, Happy, in recent PETA campaigns.

>> To find out more, log onto www.peta.org, or call 757-622-PETA.L.K.

Stuffed Animals Save Species
Species endangerment is a big problem, that's why some of today's hottest pop stars are trying to help. Through Stars in the Wild, celebs can "adopt" a stuffed animal version of their favorite animal, and it's then auctioned off for the charity. All proceeds benefiting the sale go toward protecting the real-life animal.

Stars involved include Mandy Moore, who endorses the koala bear, *NSync, who lends their name to the white tiger, and Christina Aguilera, who snuggles up to the polar bear.

You may not be famous enough to have a cool teddy bear named after you, but you could still help. In fact, Erica Summers, a member of the product development team that creates new Stars in the Wild products, is just 14 years old. Why not start a club in school that aims to raise money for troubled animals? Or better yet, volunteer at a local zoo or aquarium that encourages wildlife conservation.

>>

• For more inspiration, log onto www.StarsintheWild.com.


• Wanna' Help? PETA at www.peta.org, or call 757-622-PETA


• Make-A-Wish at www.wish.org, or call 800-722-9474


• The Rainforest Foundation at www.savetherest.org


• Stars in the Wild at www.starsinthewild.com


• Want to start your own service corps? Community groups of people under age 30 can apply for a Do Something Grant. Hit www.dosomething.org for details.

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