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This time of year is often the cheeriest but, for some, it can be a remembrance of what they don’t have. While we are enjoying Thanksgiving and cashing out on Christmas gifts this year, it’s also important to equally give back. “One of the most fulling things that I can do for my life is to be able to give back. Because I feel like I have been blessed and able to pursue so many dreams,” Common told ESSENCE.

Earlier this month, Burlington Coat Factory and entertainer Common continued their long-standing partnership where they kicked off the 13 Annual Burlington Coat Drive with Burlington Stores and Delivering Good in Chicago. Common and Burlingtons’ joint mission is to help people in need stay warm this holiday season by donating a gently worn coat at any Burlington store which will be distributed by local agencies through their partnership with Delivering Good.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Common and kids from the Common Ground Foundation attend the 13th Annual Burlington Coat Drive at Burlington on November 13, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images)

Common’s organization, the Common Ground Foundation – which helps underrepresented youth in Chicago, is also a partner. “I think what makes this special is our intention with this partnership is to truly to give back,” he exclaimed. “The fact that Burlington is giving me a platform to give back, in my hometown, and including Common Ground Foundation is really important to me.”

“Our intention with this partnership is to truly to give back.” – Common

To date, more than 2.2 million coats have been donated through this program. “I want other people to experience the dreams that they want. I look at the scope of the land, people deserve good things in life,” concluded Common. With a number of 86k homeless individuals, this partnership was created in hopes to make this season a little better by giving back to the less fortunate.

As far as what the Emmy-Oscar-Grammy winning artist is doing for the holidays. One word, relaxing. “I’m most excited about the holidays to spend time with the fam, going to see some theatre and watching basketball.”

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