Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett has collected the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, given to a player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Garnett, a nine-time All-Star, was given the award by the Pro Basketball Writers Association for his work in the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

Garnett donated $1.2 million to Oprah's Angel Network to build 24 homes - one house per month for the next two years.

He also participated in Kenny Smith's NBA Players Hurricane Relief Game in Houston, in which each player donated a minimum of $10,000 in money and supplies.

Garnett has also developed an ongoing partnership with the Minneapolis Urban League to assist hurricane survivors in Minnesota and has hosted affected families in his Target Center suite.

"I am honored to be a recipient of the prestigious J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award," Garnett said. "I am happy that I can help make a difference in the communities, and blessed to be in the position where I am able to lend support.

Hopefully, this will encourage others to do the same."

Through his 4XL Foundation, Garnett has opened technology centres in two local Minneapolis high schools, featuring state-of-the-art computers, in an effort to make technology available to all students.

The other finalists for the award were Ron Artest of Sacramento, Chauncey Billups of Detroit, Steve Nash of Phoenix and Michael Redd of Milwaukee.

Players were nominated by PBWA members and the winner is chosen by a vote of approximately 150.

Wes Unseld, Dave Bing, Bob Lanier, Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, Alex English, Magic Johnson and Joe Dumars are among the previous winners.

Eric Snow of the Cleveland Cavaliers won the award last season.

Article courtesy of www.fiba.com