NEW YORK – Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love is the recipient of the “Kia Community Assist Award” for December in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work, the NBA announced today.

Kia and the NBA are honoring Love in part for his charitable efforts, which included hosting his fifth annual “Kevin Love Coat Drive.”   Love collected more than 2,500 coats between Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, which he personally delivered to the Salvation Army. To increase awareness and participation, Love has dedicated a significant amount of time promoting the drive each year through appearances and by offering additional incentives to coat donors including autographs, photos, and two tickets to a Timberwolves game.

“It’s truly an honor to receive the NBA’s Kia Community Assist Award,” Love said. “It’s a privilege to be able to help people in need throughout the Twin Cities get a warm coat for the winter. I want to personally thank all of our great Timberwolves fans that donated a record number of coats for this year’s drive. Without the fans’ involvement and participation, none of this would be possible.”

Love also has been very active is helping to find a cure for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.  As a Hoops for St. Jude ambassador for the past four years, he continues to help raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® , which provides the best care to the world’s sickest children at no cost to their family.

As a Kia Community Assist Award recipient, Love will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.”  In addition, Kia and the NBA will donate $10,000 on Love’s behalf to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Kia Motors has been an NBA Cares partner since 2010.  The league presents the “Kia Community Assist Award” monthly throughout the season as well as a final award at the end of the season to recognize players for their year-round charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

To learn more, please log on to www.nba.com/kiacommunityassist.