Joel Embiid donating All-Star Game earnings to homeless

FILE PHOTO: Mar 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the anthem before action against the Utah Jazz at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Sixers center Joel Embiid is donating $100,000 in earnings from Sunday’s All-Star Game to combat homelessness in Philadelphia.

The four-time All-Star said Saturday that his contributions will go to several of the city’s homeless shelters, including Project HOME, Sunday Breakfast Mission and Youth Service INC.

“So many have fallen on such hard times during the pandemic,” Embiid said in a news release issued by the team. “I felt it was important to provide more support for individuals and families struggling with homelessness and food insecurity. I’m continually grateful for all of the support that Philadelphia and the fans have given me not just around All-Star but all my years in the league. I will continue to help in any way I can.”

Embiid’s donation will provide 15,000 meals for homeless and underserved individuals; 4,000 essential clothing items for homeless teens and adults; care and treatment of 100,000 homeless individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccines; support for 30-plus former homeless families, including education, health care and employment; funding for a six-week summer camp for 50-plus homeless and at-risk youth; and shelter and essential needs for 300-plus teens facing homelessness or home insecurity.

Embiid, who turns 27 on March 16, will start for Team Durant in Sunday’s All-Star Game in Atlanta.

A leading contender for MVP honors this season, Embiid reached the break averaging 30.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 30 games.