The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation announced Friday that it had matched $400,000 in player grants over the last two months, including one by Houston Rockets star James Harden.
“Since the union’s inception, the members of the NBPA have, individually and collectively, utilized their platforms to advocate for and promote positive social change in communities around the world,” the NBPA wrote in its press release. “Specifically throughout May and June, the NBPA Foundation partnered with 24 current and former players to match their charitable giving and philanthropy.”
One of those 24 players is Harden. Regarding his cause, NBPA writes:
James Harden: Funds will be used to purchase groceries and basic supplies for low-income families in the greater Houston area during the coronavirus pandemic (3 The Harden Way, Inc.).
Over the last two months, the NBPA Foundation provided $400,000 in matching player brants on behalf of 24 players to address the health and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Link to full press release here: https://t.co/fFIlTtHfdf pic.twitter.com/cMBcibRlUl
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) July 3, 2020
In April, Harden announced that he was teaming up with grocery chain Kroger to provide a week’s worth of groceries to 600 families each week for the next eight weeks. The initiative was designed to benefit a total of 5,000 underserved families in the Houston area.
The selected families will be identified by each participating food pantry to receive a combination of fresh meats, bread, milk, produce, and staple canned goods. All groceries will be distributed by Kroger Houston in cooperation with the Houston Food Bank.
“We’re proud to be partnering with James Harden on this effort to help local families in need,” said Joe Kelley, Kroger’s Houston president. “We know that many families are struggling to make ends meet and keep food on the table. It’s our responsibility to do something about it.”
Harden’s contribution was made through his charitable organization, 3 The Harden Way, which was founded with his mother, Monja Willis.
According to its mission statement, 3 The Harden Way was established to provide higher learning opportunities. The foundation aims to bridge economic and educational gaps in the Houston area by providing financial support to high-achieving students who have shown leadership within those communities facing economic hardship.
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