LeBron James is being recognized for his community service.
The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for December for his efforts to drive positive change in his hometown of Akron and throughout Northeast Ohio, the NBA announced Wednesday.
James, 33, provides resources and opportunities for more than 1,200 underprivileged youth in the greater Cleveland area as part of his I PROMISE program. As an extension of it, the four-time MVP is also starting a new public school called the I PROMISE School, which aims to support children with educational and healthcare services to put them in a better position to succeed in school and in life.
"To be able to support and create opportunities for the kids in Akron who are in danger of falling through the cracks means everything to me because I was one of those kids," James said in the statement. "I'm proud and excited to create a school and provide resources that will help these students earn an education that will change their lives and give them a better future."
Health care provider and award sponsor Kaiser Permanente also teamed up with the league to donate $10,000 to The LeBron James Family Foundation. This marks the fourth time James has earned the award, having previously won in June 2008, June 2006, and August 2004 as a member of Team USA.
