Booker donates $100K to COVID-19 relief efforts

Devin Booker is stepping up for the Phoenix community.

In partnership with Phoenix Suns Charities, the All-Star shooting guard pledged to donate $100,000 to various non-profit organizations in support of COVID-19 relief efforts, the NBA announced Thursday. Phoenix Suns Charities will match Booker's initial donation.

The 23-year-old Booker, who will be raising money through Twitch streaming, has a history with Phoenix Suns Charities. Last January, he committed to donating $500,000 in each of the next five years to the organization.

"With countless people around the globe turning to streaming to get their mind off things, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness, and help those in need at the same time," Booker said in Thursday's statement.

"These are trying times that transcend basketball and I would like to call on everyone to be good teammates as we deal with this challenge together."

Among the non-profits that will benefit from Booker's campaign are the Arizona Food Bank Network, the Foundation for Senior Living, and Banner Health Foundation.

Booker is the latest NBA player to assist communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Karl-Anthony Towns recently donated $100,000 to help increase the number of available testing kits. Additionally, Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, started a fundraiser to help families in need during the coronavirus crisis. Last week, the Curry family's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank to support kids who rely on schools for meals.

Other NBA stars - including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, Kevin Love, and Blake Griffin - have pledged to pay the salaries of arena workers who've been impacted by the suspended season.