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Hurricane Harvey: Celebrities rally to donate money towards relief efforts

Houston - Kevin Hart has made a sizable donation to flood relief efforts in Houston, and he wants some of his famous friends to do the same.

The comedian announced a $25 000 donation to the American Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

In an Instagram video posted on Sunday, Hart said he was starting a celebrity challenge as well as a online fundraiser for the Red Cross to donate money to the cause. Beyoncé, Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jerry Seinfeld are among the stars he called on to make their own pledge.

"This is a serious matter," Hart said in the video. "I think the people are in bad shape and they need help. I'm going to lead the charge and step it up in this way."

Since then multiple celebrities have opened their hearts and wallets to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Country star Chris Young announced on Twitter that he has started an online fundraiser for the Red Cross and donated $100 000 to it. The campaign had taken in an additional $205 000 by Tuesday morning.

Drake wrote on Instagram early on Monday that he and his manager were working with local relief groups to help Texas affected by the hurricane. The Canadian rapper wrote that Houston "has truly been a home to me over the last 8 years."

Beyoncé announced she is working with her charity, BeyGOOD to assist those in her hometown affected by the flooding from Harvey. The Houston native said in a statement to The Houston Chronicle late on Monday that "my heart goes out to my hometown, Houston, and I remain in constant prayer for those affected."

A spokeswoman for Kim Kardashian says she and her mother and sisters have given $250 000 to the Red Cross and $250 000 to the Salvation Army.

Kim announced the donation on Twitter on Tuesday, saying, "Houston we are praying for you." She used the hashtag #HoustonStrong.

E! News reported Sandra Bullock pledged a further $1m to help those in need. Her generous donation will go towards the American Red Cross in it's efforts to help anyone impacted by the tropical storm.

Sandra said in a statement: "I'm just grateful I can do it. We have to take care of one another."

Other monetary contributions from celebs include Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and TI.

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