In recognition of Minnesota Lynx guard Candice Wiggins' commitment to the community, the WNBA announced Monday that is honoring her with its Community Assist Award for July. In her short time with the WNBA, Wiggins has taken an active role in supporting Minnesota's community outreach initiatives in the Twin Cities metro area and has become deeply involved with local and national organizations that support children and families in need, anti-drug campaigns and HIV/AIDS awareness.

We spoke with Wiggins about receiving the award, which you can listen to by clicking below:

Wiggins on Receiving the Award

During the month of July, Wiggins participated in a number of events, including the launch of Live United, a local United Way initiative. The launch raised $10,000 in donations and collected more than 230,000 pounds of food to be distributed to area families through two local nonprofit organizations. Throughout the day, Wiggins greeted community members as they dropped off donations and she also shot hoops with fans and signed autographs. The event assisted the Greater Twin Cities United Way in their mission to reduce hunger in the region by 20 percent by 2009.

In July, Wiggins also joined the Minnesota Lynx and the Center of Hope and Compassion for the fourth annual Health Fair and Hoops Fest. The event introduces health and social services to the community, with an emphasis on reaching at-risk youth. Following the event, Wiggins invited more than 100 youth participants to a Lynx game, after which she spoke to them about her personal journey to becoming a WNBA player and how the game of basketball has taught her important skills that translate to her life off the court.

"It is a huge honor to be in a position to help my community," said Wiggins. "Dedicating my time to organizations that I am passionate about is something that I love to do and I really hope that people who see my messages take them to heart."

A passionate proponent of AIDS awareness, Wiggins is involved with the national non-profit Until There's a Cure, the Minnesota AIDS Project and Camp Heartland, committing time throughout the year to working with the organizations in an effort to eradicate AIDS and HIV through advocacy and education.

"Candice's sincere commitment to community service is indicative of the type of individual she is and we are proud that she is part of the Lynx organization," said Angela Taylor, Lynx Vice President of Business Operations. "In just one season here in the Twin Cities, Candice has already had a positive impact on the lives of several individuals and the acknowledgement of her efforts with the WNBA Community Assist Award reinforces what is so special about the WNBA and its' players. We congratulate Candice and her family on this accomplishment and thank the WNBA for embracing community service."

The WNBA Community Assist Award is presented monthly to the player who best reflects the league's passion for making a difference in the community. In recognition of the recipient's charitable efforts, the WNBA is donating $5,000 to the newly founded Candice Wiggins Foundation.