In the month of February, Nowitzki demonstrated that he has a special place in his heart for sick and terminally ill children by granting two wishes to children who are part of Make-A-Wish Foundation. As part of the children's wish they attended a Mavericks game and following it, Nowitzki met with them and their families, signed autographs, posed for pictures and answered their questions.

Nowitzki and teammate Scott Williams delivered books to the Children's Medical Center of Dallas on Feb. 27. Photo by dallasmavericks.com

With each Make-A-Wish request, Nowitzki always volunteers to visit with the kids and he always makes these special guests feel welcome. He has said that his goal is to make them laugh and forget about their illness, even if only for a moment.

"One of the best things that I get to do as a basketball player is meet children who are in need," said Nowitzki. "The children that are sick are very important to me. If I can do one small thing to make them smile, it is one of the best things I can do to give something back."

Also in February and on conclusion of the Mavs/Borders holiday book drive, Nowitzki visited Children's Medical Center of Dallas to distribute over 500 books that were collected during the month-long drive. He visited with patients of the hospital, distributed books to kids rooms, signed autographs, and took pictures with the children.

Nowitzki also teamed with teammate Steve Nash to serve as spokespeople in an effort to promote the importance of recycling and preserving the environment in the Dallas area. He filmed a commercial with Nash which was seen throughout Dallas as well as in-arena and attended the Recycling Challenge assembly for the winning Mavs adopt-a-school that collected the most recyclable material.

During the assembly, Nowitzki presented the award to the principal, spoke to the students about the importance of recycling and preserving the environment, answered questions from the audience, and took pictures with the group of approximately 150.

Nowitzki also serves as the commissioner for Highland Park High School on behalf of the Athletic department and Community Service council where his exemplary commitment to his career and to others helps promote healthy lifestyles and active involvement in the community.

Nowitzki joins Karl Malone of the Los Angeles Lakers (January) Jermaine O'Neal of the Indiana Pacers (December) Aaron McKie and Marc Jackson of the Philadelphia 76ers (November) and Rashard Lewis of the Seattle Sonics (October) as winners of the NBA's Community Assist Award for the 2003-04 season.

Other nominees for February's Community Assist Award were the Sacramento Kings' Peja Stojakovic, the Utah Jazz' Andrei Kirilenko, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Nowitzki will receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription "Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece." Last season, NBA Commissioner David Stern presented former San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson with an honorary plaque and announced that all future winners of the NBA Community Assist Award would receive the David Robinson Plaque.

The NBA Community Assist Award is given out monthly by the league to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for their communities. All 29 NBA teams are able to nominate a player for the award each month.

The NBA, its teams and players are committed to programs that improve the quality of life for all people and has created and implemented programs that address important social issues, with a special emphasis on reading and online literacy initiatives for children. The NBA and its 29 teams make a difference in North America through the Read to Achieve Program, donations to charities and the implementation of community outreach initiatives, and through the production and airing of public service announcements.