The bank has added shoe collection bins at locations across the Valley. The 2022 drive has collected more than 500 pairs of shoes and raised upwards of $12,000 for the Phoenix Rescue Mission.

As the Phoenix Mercury and fans across the country await the safe return of Brittney Griner, the community has rallied together to continue BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission. With the help from fans and teams around the WNBA and NBA, the drive has collected more than 500 pairs of shoes and raised more than $12,000 for the Phoenix Rescue Mission, already making it the most successful drive since it began in 2016.   

To continue the momentum, FirstBank, a proud sponsor of the Phoenix Mercury, is showing its support by hosting collection bins at retail locations throughout the Valley for fans to donate new or gently used shoes. Visit our locations page to find the nearest FirstBank drop-off.

“We say all the time that what separates our fans is how supportive they are of our mission, on and off the court, and that’s true of our partners, as well. FirstBank’s commitment to BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive is further demonstration of the alignment between our two organizations, and our shared desire to make a difference in the Valley – and this time it’s inspired by Brittney.”

Vince Kozar, Phoenix Mercury President

The drive will continue throughout the 2022 season. Fans can bring donations to Arizona FirstBank branches, all Mercury home games, or to the Team Shop at Footprint Center during business hours.


About BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive

Founded in 2016, the idea for BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive came while Griner was driving home after practice and saw unhoused persons in the Arizona summer without shoes. This sparked Griner to start driving around with shoes in the trunk of her car in case she saw someone in need. Inspired by BG’s idea, the Phoenix Mercury established a shoe drive with the help of local non-profit Phoenix Rescue Mission, engaging its X-Factor fan base and BG’s teammates. The drive helped nearly 2,000 Phoenicians between 2016 and 2019 (non-operational during COVID seasons 2020 and 2021).


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