Russell Westbrook makes presence felt in Washington community, hands out face masks and Jordan shoes to kids

It's only been less than a month since Russell Westbrook arrived in Washington and join the Washington Wizards but the former MVP is already making a huge impact in the community. Westbrook dropped a solid assist on Monday by surprising local students with cool Christmas gifts.

He partnered with The Children's Guild DC Public Charter School to hand out face masks for around 300 students to make sure their holiday celebrations are as safe as possible. The lucky kids were also given some Jordan Brand apparel, including Westbrook's new signature shoe.

In an interview with NBA.com, the 32-year-old Westbrook stressed the importance of reaching out to communities.

Related NewsArticle continues below

Why there’s still hope for Wizards after drawing No. 6 pick in draft lottery10h

Social media explodes after Michael Jordan joins NBA on NBC team1d

Wizards rumors: Washington front office ‘fans’ of this non-Cooper Flagg star in draft1d

Wizards offseason Ja Morant trade proposal after Grizzlies eliminated2 w

Subscribe To Our NBA Newsletter

“It is very important not just to come to a new place but to show that you actually care about a community. I’m excited to be able to collaborate with The Children’s Guild, to find a way to give back to some of these students and their families for the holiday season. It is very important for me to impact in any way that I can.”

Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, also talked about the significance of helping out the youth, while sharing his own Christmas experiences growing up in Long Beach, California.

“Being able to connect with youth and community members is very, very important (to me) and close to my heart. Because where I grew up, living in the city, being able to wake up on Christmas morning and be able to have a gift or a new pair of shoes or backpacks or whatever it was, you would be blessed to be able to have that. I feel like this platform has blessed me to be able to do that.”

Russell Westbrook is hoping to make an impact on and off the court in his first year in the nation's capital. Because as Brodie always puts it, why not?