NEW YORK – Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore received the December NBA Cares Community Assist Award in recognition of his charitable contributions and commitment to combatting childhood hunger, the NBA announced today.  The award honors an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

McLemore’s passion for community involvement is fueled by his upbringing, growing up in one of the poorest communities in Missouri.  In an effort to combat the very struggles he faced as a child, McLemore partnered with his high school basketball coach in 2013 to establish “All 4 Kids,” a nonprofit organization working to provide healthy meals to children in need.

In December, McLemore and “All 4 Kids” provided a holiday feast and presents for 150 homeless children at the Lawrence Community Shelter in Kansas.  McLemore and “All 4 Kids” also organized a holiday party at the St. Louis Transitional Hope House, where he and his family distributed 200 presents, and provided dinner and holiday treats for every resident.

Two weeks before Christmas, McLemore surprised 10 children from the Sacramento community with a shopping spree at Wal-Mart.  McLemore, who credits his mother for his success, had one stipulation – each child had to get a present for their parents before selecting their own gifts.

“This year, I was blessed with the opportunity to reach underserved youth in both my hometown of Wellston, and in Sacramento,” said McLemore.  “Giving back to underprivileged communities is my passion, and I aim to do more each year to feed children throughout the country.”

During Friday’s home game against the Miami Heat, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, President Chris Granger and General Manager Pete D’Alessandro will present McLemore with the David Robinson Plaque during an oncourt ceremony.  In addition, the NBA will donate $10,000 on McLemore’s behalf to Wind Youth Services.

In addition to the monthly NBA Cares Community Assist Awards, the league will present a final 2014-15 Seasonlong Community Assist Award.

To learn more, please log on to http://www.nba.com/cares/.