Hilary Duff to Change the World  8/29/05

Hilary Duff has vowed to use her celebrity to publicize good causes because she wants others to feel the thrill of helping others.

The singer and actress has been heavily influenced by her mother's tireless charity work and insists there is nothing more important than sharing good fortune with those in need.

And she is particularly moved by the plight of starving and poorly children.

She says, "It's something that I feel strongly about. My mom and I butt heads once in a while, just because we're mother and daughter, you know, but she is a person that I totally admire and look up to.

"Ever since I can remember, she would have dinner parties during Christmas time and instead of people bringing presents, she would be like, 'Bring formula, bring diapers (to be donated to the needy).'

"She has always had a very hands-on attitude about giving back and helping.

So when I got a voice and people knew who I was, I thought it was a really important way to get people to (do the same).

"You don't have to be famous to help. Kids in hospitals don't only want to see famous people; they just want to have people play with them, reach out and touch them.

"We get so caught up in a very selfish world. I'm not trying to sound like a saint, but we take for granted that we are healthy and able to live a certain way. Giving back makes you feel like a good person inside."