“It means the absolute world,” said Toys for Tots’ N.Y.C. coordinator Raul Pillco following the rapper’s donation on ‘Watch What Happens Live’
This holiday season, Nicki Minaj is thinking about children in need.
During an appearance on Thursday’s episode of Watch What Happens Live, the rap superstar donated an array of toys as well as $50,000 to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, which distributes gifts to children around the country.
“Thank you to you guys for allowing me to do this on your show. It was something that meant a lot to me,” Minaj, 41, told host Andy Cohen while presenting a large pink check to the foundation, according to a clip from the episode shared by fans to social media.
Nicki Minaj in Los Angeles in July 2023.
MICHAEL TRAN/AFP VIA GETTY
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“I would like to donate $50,000 to Toys for Tots because I love this organization. I love what it stands for. It means the world to me, and God bless all the children in the world,” continued the “Super Freaky Girl” performer.
While Minaj appeared on WWHL as the featured guest, three representatives from Toys for Tots stood behind the show’s signature bar for the episode and expressed gratitude for the donation.
“I am incredibly speechless, especially for a program like this with Toys for Tots. It means the absolute world to be able to give back to the New York City community and just for the children across the nation,” said Toys for Tots’ N.Y.C. coordinator Raul Pillco. “So, with somebody with such a superstar status like you, it means the absolute world.”
Nicki Minaj in New Jersey in September 2023.
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Following the release of Minaj’s latest album Pink Friday 2 earlier this month, the musician announced the Pink Friday 2 World Tour, set for next year. The run of live shows kicks off March 1 in Oakland, California and stops in cities like Las Vegas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago and more. After 28 dates in North America, including the final show on May 12 in Austin, Texas, the hip-hop superstar will take the tour abroad to the U.K. and Europe through late spring.
Elsewhere during her WWHL appearance, Minaj spoke about what fans can expect from the upcoming tour. “My focus on this tour will definitely be the new album — creating a world of that album and then sprinkling everything else around that,” she teased. “But of course, we’re going to still have the same fun with our throwbacks, you know, how we always do.”
She added, “I always make sure and perform my rap stuff, my pop stuff — everyone enjoys themselves. I make sure that all of my fans feel like they are well-fed at the show.”