(East Los Angeles, CA) July 4, 2022 [From the Editor’s Desk]: The WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks franchise has proudly partnered with today’s game opponent, the Phoenix Mercury to support the BG Heart & Sole Shoe Drive. Beginning today, at this game, fans are encouraged to “drop-off” all donated shoes at designated locations around the Crypto.com Arena. The drive will last through July 18th. This effort will coincide very well with the Sparks longest home-stand of the season so there will be additional dates for fans to participate. Do read the entire announcement that was just released by the Sparks today.
Los Angeles Sparks Announce Shoe Drive in Support of Brittney Griner
Sparks Partner with Mercury to Support BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive
LOS ANGELES (July 4, 2022) – The Los Angeles Sparks announced a dedicated shoe drive to take place on Monday, July 4 when the team hosts the Phoenix Mercury at 4 p.m. PT on ESPN. The initiative aims to amplify Brittney Griner’s annual Heart and Sole shoe drive in the Phoenix metropolitan area, as well as raise awareness about her wrongful detainment in Russia.
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The Sparks are partnering with the Mercury to bring her philanthropic efforts to Los Angeles, in her name. All shoes collected before and on July 4, and through July 18, will be donated to Covenant House California on July 18th. Shoes will be collected at both the 11th Street and Figueroa Street entrances.
About Brittney Griner’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive
In 2016, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner founded BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive. On her drive home from practice one day, she saw unhoused persons in the Arizona summer without shoes. She saw a need and was moved to action. Always one to lead with her heart but never one to ask much of others, BG’s request was simply to drive around with shoes in her trunk in case she saw someone in need.
That idea, and her willingness to accept help, led to the Phoenix Mercury organization establishing a shoe drive, engaging its X-Factor fanbase and BG’s teammates, and partnering with local non-profit Phoenix Rescue Mission. The drive helped nearly 2,000 Phoenicians in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (non-operation during COVID seasons in 2020 and 2021).
