Brittney Griner Receives WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for Work with Wrongful Detainees and Shoe Drive

Griner's recognition stemmed from advocacy for safe return of over 60 wrongfully detained Americans and her Phoenix-based shoe drive which collected a record-breaking 3,000 pairs of shoes for the unhoused.

• Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury center, was awarded the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for her advocacy in the safe return of over 60 wrongfully detained Americans.
• Her work included partnering with the Bring Our Families Home (BOFH) campaign for the safe return of detention cases that were unjustified; she met several times with family members of detainees and set up letter-writing stations during games to raise awareness.
• Griner, after her release from wrongful detention in Russia, used her experience to inspire others in the hostage community, demonstrating that life can return to normal after being a hostage.
• Apart from her advocacy work, Griner was also honored for her Phoenix-based shoe drive, the BG Heart & Sole Shoe Drive, which was launched in 2016 and collected a new record of 3,000 pairs of shoes this season for people experiencing homelessness.
• This shoe drive is done in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, where they not only distribute shoes, but also other items such as shirts, backpacks, hats, and hygiene products.
• In Griner's honor, the WNBA will donate $20,000 to be split between the BOFH campaign and the BG Heart & Sole Shoe Drive.

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