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Brittney Griner continues to be entangled in trouble as she is still in Russian detention. She even celebrated her 32nd birthday recently behind Russian bars. Notably, in honor of the WNBA star and her birthday, the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury will support Griner’s efforts toward the community.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is well-known for her philanthropic efforts toward the community. Griner, in fact, started BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive in 2016. Seeing those who were homeless and without shoes prompted her to organize the shoe drive. As a result, the WNBA star began driving around Phoenix with sneakers in her trunk, handing out free shoes.

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As a result, both Phoenix basketball teams stated that the shoe drive will continue at the Footprint Center. Fans will be invited to donate new or gently used shoes to be distributed during the shoe drive.

Though Griner remains locked up in Russia, she is still making an impact in the community through her charitable endeavors in past years. She was further recognized for her community service when she received the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2017.

Ever since she was drafted in 2013, Griner has been all about giving back to the community. The former WNBA champion also joined Phoenix Rescue Mission’s “Hope Coach”. She has provided shoes and countless other resources to people in need as part of the effort.

Brittney Griner continues to impact the community, even in absence

Brittney Griner has been providing shoes to those in need since 2016. Furthermore, roughly 2,000 pairs of shoes were collected throughout the first four years of this effort. However, this summer’s shoe drive shattered all previous records.

READ MORE: “They Value Athletes”: 5x American Olympic Gold Medalist Praises Russia But Criticizes Brittney Griner Arrest

The most recent shoe drive, according to the Phoenix Mercury, was the most successful ever, the team announced in September. This season, it established a new record, accumulating more than the previous four years combined. The last shoe drive raised around 3,200 pairs of shoes and $27,000 for the Phoenix Rescue Mission.

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This speaks volumes of the impact that Brittney Griner has had on the community. Despite her detention in Russia, her off-court impact has not diminished.

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Griner will have the opportunity to appeal her nine-year sentence as an appeal hearing is set for October 25th. She was imprisoned on Russian drug charges when officials discovered cannabis-infused vape cartridges in her luggage at a Moscow airport.

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