Jalen Green, former San Joaquin Memorial standout basketball player and member of the Phoenix Suns, met with members of the Boys & Girls Club of West Fresno this week. Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County photo

On Monday, NBA star and Fresno native Jalen Green visited the Boys & Girls Club of West Fresno, bringing smiles, excitement and surprises to children at the club.

Former San Joaquin Memorial standout Green, along with his family, donated 200 backpacks, as well as school supply kits, hydro flasks and Adidas shoes to children at the club, building on his philanthropy that started in 2020 when he donated shoes, Beats headphones, backpacks and school supplies to children at the club.

“Fresno is home, and the Boys & Girls Club is a special place for me,” Green said. “As an Alumni of the Boys & Girls Club, I look forward to continuing to give back and staying involved with my community.”

Green, who will start with the Phoenix Suns in October, also donated turkeys to families for Thanksgiving in 2021 and in 2023 donated 200 Walmart gift cards to families during the holidays.

“It’s an incredible moment when Alumni of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County give back because it shows the impact the Club has made in their lives and it gives our current members a chance to see what their future could look like,”  said Jason Hannold, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. “Jalen is a big inspiration to all kids, and especially our Club kids from West Fresno.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County has served the area for 76 years, providing a safe place for youth ages 6 to 18.