E-40 Made the Vallejo Salvation Army’s Christmas Merry With a $20,000 Gift

Aside from entertaining gold and platinum albums, E-40 has contributed to the slang lexicon, released a wine, and previously owned a Fatburger franchise. Over the weekend he added philanthropy to the list by donating $20,000 to the Vallejo, California Salvation Army.

“Knowing how many families they can feed, helping single parents and what not, I’m glad to be part of it,” E-40 told Richard Freeman of the San Jose Mercury-News. “Vallejo’s my city and I’m just giving back.”

E-40 has rapped about overcoming poverty growing up on tracks like “Hope I Don’t Go Back” and “1-Luv,” noting on the latter that there were times when he had to use “sheets for curtains [and] socks for wash towels.” According to 40, the Salvation Army played an integral role by providing toys when his family couldn’t afford the perks of Christmas.

The Vallejo native previously donated $10,000 to the faith-based charity just before Christmas, and the local non-profit organization is reportedly $46,000 behind their 2015 budget. Salvation Army Captain Randy Hartt told the Mercury-News E-40’s donation would supplement those already being made in the organization’s signature red kettles. Aside from monetary donations, the Bay Area MC recommended other ways to help during the holiday season.

“I’m in a great position,” E-40 added. “I want to be a big influence. I hope anybody in my position can do the same. Even if you’re not, you can volunteer by giving out food. It’s good to give back. It’s good karma. You have to have a heart.”