Tom Hanks consistently uses both celebrity charisma and personal compassion to make others’ lives brighter—whether with a simple gesture or a large-scale act of generosity.
Random Acts of Everyday Kindness
In October 2015, Hanks found a Fordham University student’s ID in Central Park and tweeted, “Lauren! I found your Student ID in the park…If you still need it my office will get to you. Hanx.” The student later received the ID along with a thoughtful note from him.
During a jog in Central Park in 2016, Hanks noticed a couple taking wedding photos and spontaneously joined them—shook the groom’s hand, kissed the bride, and even offered to officiate. Later, he posted a selfie with the couple, captioned, “Elizabeth and Ryan! Congrats and blessings! Hanx.”
On a walk with his son in 2015, Hanks encountered Girl Scouts selling cookies. He bought four boxes, added a $20 tip, and encouraged passersby to support them too—conditioning selfies with him on purchases.
A New York cabbie nicknamed “Mr. Ferrari” shared a ride with Hanks, who amusedly dubbed him the same. Weeks later, Hanks invited him and a guest to his Broadway show, where they received backstage access and a warm greeting.
Thoughtful and Charitable Gestures
In 2020, Hanks and his wife Rita received kind letters from an eight-year-old Australian boy named Corona, who was teased at school due to his name (similar to “coronavirus”). Touched by his empathy, Hanks responded with a heartfelt letter and the typewriter he’d used during isolation, encouraging the boy to write back.
During a White House tour in 2004, Hanks learned the press corps lacked an espresso machine. He donated one, and later replaced it in 2010 and again in 2017—with the most recent accompanied by the note:
“To the White House Press Corps: Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Especially for the Truth part.”
In February 2025, Hanks and Rita Wilson donated $1 million to support recovery efforts from Los Angeles wildfires, splitting it among the Motion Picture & Television Fund, LA Fire Foundation, SAG-AFTRA Disaster Relief, the Red Cross, and MusiCares. They encouraged others to contribute, saying “Everything helps.”
Hanks founded “Hanx For Our Troops” in 2022—a coffee brand whose 100% profits go to veterans and military families. Beneficiaries include Headstrong Project, Hire Heroes USA, Bob Woodruff Foundation, and Student Veterans of America.
Advocacy & Ambassadorship
Promoting global education for refugees
Since 2003, Hanks has served as the American ambassador for Lifeline Energy, supporting solar and wind-up radio projects that bring education and vital information to refugee communities, such as in Rwanda and Tanzania.
See also:
Tom Hanks Quiz
