Celtics' Isaiah Thomas given NBA Community Assist Award for December

Boston Celtics star point guard Isaiah Thomas has received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for December, the league announced Friday, for his "continued dedication to improving the lives of youth across the country through community outreach and mentorship."

While Thomas was averaging 30.3 points and leading the Celtics to a 9-3 record last month, he was also hosting holiday parties for children of Boston military servicemen and women, sponsoring holiday toy giveaways for youth of military families in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, and visiting pediatric patients with his teammates at the Boston Children's Hospital.

Thomas also recently took part in a PSA as part of the "In Real Life" campaign.

“Since entering the league, giving back to the community has been a priority for me both in the cities I’ve played and in my hometown of Tacoma, Washington,” Thomas said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to help those facing challenges big and small so they can ultimately overcome adversity and achieve success.”

Thomas will be presented with the award during an on-court ceremony on Saturday before the Celtics take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will also donate $10,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound in Tacoma on Thomas' behalf.

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