Taylor Swift donates $13k to two mothers struggling with bills during COVID-19 pandemic

Swift donated $13,000 to two different mothers' GoFundMe pages after reading about their situations in a Washington Post article.

Nikki Cornwell is one of the mothers who received a donation from Swift. The Nashville-based single mother had written on her fundraising page that she's "about $5000 behind in my rent", adding that she doesn't "know if my kids will even have a Christmas" as she also has to move house by 5 January. Cornwell revealed that she was due to start a new job in May but has been out of work after testing positive for the virus. The single mother wrote, "Its been rough because I'm not the only person looking for work. My family would appreciate any help this holiday. I am definitely praying for miracles. God bless everyone."

Swift commented on her fundraiser, "Nikki, I read about you in the Washington Post and thought it was really brave of you to share your story. I'm so sorry for everything you've had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another. Love, Taylor."

The second mother Swift donated $13,000 to was Michigan-based Shelbie Selewski, who also launched a GoFundMe after getting behind on rent and bills due to losing her job earlier this year. Selewski revealed that she's "tirelessly tried to find employment along with my Fiancé" but is struggling due to her young daughter being born with a collapsed lung. She wrote, "The money will go directly to keeping our lights on this holiday season and trying to pay some rent so we aren't evicted. Any leftover money will go toward the kids."

Swift also commented on Selewski's fundraiser after making the $13k donation, "Shelbie, I'm sending you this gift after reading about you in the Washington Post. No one should have to feel the kind of stress that's been put on you. I hope you and your beautiful family have a great holiday season. Love, Taylor."

The Folklore singer/songwriter has been hugely generous this year. In August she donated £23,373 to a GoFundMe to help 18-year-old Vitoria Mario pay for her university education in the UK, and in March 2020 Swift made numerous donations to fans struggling during the pandemic.