NEW YORK – Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph is the recipient of the “Kia Community Assist Award” for January in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work, the NBA announced today.  This marks Randolph’s second time being awarded the “Kia Community Assist Award,” having previously won in December 2010.

Kia and the NBA are honoring Randolph in part for his ongoing generosity to the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA). For the fourth consecutive year, Randolph donated $20,000 to MIFA to be allocated to 100 residents in need of utility assistance in the Memphis area. He also met with two single mothers who recently lost their homes because they could not afford to pay their utility bills.  Randolph paid off their bills so that they could afford housing for their families.

“Giving back is what’s important,” said Randolph.  “It’s a blessing for me to be able to help someone else. While it feels good to be recognized, that isn’t why I do it. It’s all about giving back.”

Randolph was very active in the community during the holidays this season. He provided 900 boxes of food to families of students at two Memphis area high schools, Carver High and Booker T. Washington High. Randolph purchased the boxes and personally distributed them to the students. Each family received a turkey or ham, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, green beans, and corn bread mix. Randolph also distributed more than 100 coats to kids for the winter season at Cummings Elementary School, in partnership with the Memphis Police Department and Grizzlies sponsor City Gear, and teamed up with teammate Tony Allen to sponsor a holiday shopping spree for 200 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.   He also sponsored 100 kids from the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in his hometown of Marion, Indiana, providing each child with a $100 gift card.

Prior to tomorrow night’s home game against the Golden State Warriors, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier will be on hand to present Randolph with the “Kia Community Assist Award.” Randolph 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 Randolph’s behalf to Make-A-Wish.

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.