Exclusive: LeAnn Rimes Sings About Giving Back

The singer and Stand Up for Kids shine a spotlight on homeless teens in her new video.

By Monica Corcoran Harel

October 14, 2011

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A Group Shot of Everyone Involved in the ‘Give‘ Video

A Group Shot of Everyone Involved in the ‘Give‘ Video

“I have stepkids, whom I call my bonus boys, and I see how much love they get. Then you meet these homeless kids who have been tossed out or neglected. We have these preconceived ideas about why kids are living on the streets. We think they’re lazy or rebellious or that they ran away. That’s not always the case. These kids are deep and artistic. A lot of them write because they need to express themselves.”

Photo: Courtesy of LeAnn Rimes

One out of 50 kids Is homeless in America

One out of 50 kids Is homeless in America

“We sought out Stand Up for Kids because the message behind the song is powerful. There are a lot of homeless kids in America, but people don’t see them. Also, people think they can only give monetarily, and that’s tough in these economic times. So I wanted the message to be that you can help these kids in so many different ways. They need someone supportive whom they count on, so you can volunteer. Or you can go through your closet and donate some clothes.”

Photo: Courtesy of LeAnn Rimes

Rimes and the Kids Take Over the Streets of Chicago

Rimes and the Kids Take Over the Streets of Chicago

“It’s been an eye-opener to be involved with this organization. I guess I just didn’t know that kids could have it so bad. I met a girl who was one of 17 kids, and her mom was a crack addict, who committed suicide. Now she already has three kids of her own, and she’s an incredible poet. But she told me she didn’t write down her poems because she didn’t have a pen and paper. I take for granted that I have this computer. It gave me a whole new perspective.”

Photo: Courtesy of LeAnn Rimes

Teens Bond on the Set, in Between Takes

Teens Bond on the Set, in Between Takes

“The kids were loving and kind. I was honest from the beginning and told them that I was there to tell their story through a music video. I was nervous at first, and I didn’t want them to feel uncomfortable. I told them to let me know if I asked a question that was too personal. I really laid out that I had no idea what they were going through.”

Photo: Courtesy of LeAnn Rimes

Thirteen kids die on the streets every day

Thirteen kids die on the streets every day

“A couple of the kids have contacted me on Facebook, which is so cool. They told me that they loved the video. I hope we bring exposure to the organization and to the issue itself. We tend to look outside of our country to help others, and that’s wonderful. But there are a lot of kids in our country who need our attention. I hope that we can make a difference for them. They deserve it.”

Photo: Courtesy of LeAnn Rimes

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When it came time to make a video for LeAnn Rimes’ song “Give,” off her new album, Lady & Gentlemen, Rimes decided to spotlight homeless youth in Chicago. “I was honest from the beginning and told them I was there to tell their story, but I had no idea what they were going through,” says the Grammy-winning country star, who partnered with Stand Up for Kids, a nationwide program that rescues and stabilizes at-risk kids. Rimes also helmed an acoustic benefit last month to support the organization. “They encourage these kids to better themselves,” she says. “Which is so important.”

Topics

Arts + Entertainment, Action + Impact, leann rimes, cause celeb, homelessness

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