NEW YORK – Seattle Storm forward Alysha Clark has received the July WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her efforts giving back to children in the Seattle community.

This is the second monthly Community Assist Award for Clark, who also received it last season.  In her seven years with the Storm, Clark has demonstrated a passion for supporting Seattle youth.  At the Storm’s home game on July 14, she held her fourth annual toy drive benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital, which she regularly visits in her free time throughout the season.  On July 16, Clark visited the hospital and delivered more than 2,000 donated toys to kids in need.

On July 12, Clark engaged with the SeaTac community at the Storm’s annual Community Practice where she worked with kids on their basketball skills.  On July 13, she joined local youth at Seattle’s StormAcademy Session at Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute, playing games of Simon Says, Land/Sea/Air and Rock/Paper/Scissors.  Clark used each occasion to stress the importance of working hard, having a positive attitude and being a leader.

On July 1, the Storm honored Savannah Lingenfelter, a young girl battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Clark, who met Savannah last season, spent time with her prior to the game and invited her to the locker room after the game with the rest of the Storm players.

“Giving back to the community is so important to me because I have always wanted everyone to feel loved and feel like they matter,” said Clark.  “Every day we get is a gift, and I want to make as many people smile and feel loved as I can.”

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community.  In recognition of Clark’s efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $5,000 to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital dialysis unit.  This marks the fourth season that Clark has pledged $25 to Strong Against Cancer for each three-pointer she makes.

Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassistfor more information on the award and its recipients.