Rockets guard Russell Westbrook and the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation will donate laptops to Houston students to help close the digital divide and allow more students to access classwork and digital learning resources while schools are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In cooperation with Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Office of Education and Comp-U-Dopt, Westbrook will donate 650 computers, Turner announced via Twitter.

Texas schools were closed March 15 with the closures extended through May 4. The Texas Education Agency moved to have school districts conduct school lessons via distance learning or digital platforms. Comp-U-Dopt, a Houston non-profit that provides access to technology to underserved youth in the Houston and Galveston area, has distributed nearly 1,000 computers to Houston families since March 18th.

“Russell Westbrook proves why he is a champion on and off the court,” Turner said in a statement. “This donation will be a game-changer for many students and their families coping with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The generous contribution from the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation will help young people stay focused on their education at home and until they can return to their classroom.”

Several weeks ago, Westbrook, his wife Nina and his foundation had worked with the office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to create the Angeleno Campaign to assist those in biggest need in his hometown.

“I’m very excited to be able to cooperate with Comp-U-Dopt and find ways to be able impact the youth immediately,” Westbrook said at the start of Turner’s media briefing. “It’s something I’m very, very passionate about doing with my foundation, just trying to find ways, especially now, to … give kids access to another way of learning through computers and allow them continue their education. I’m excited about it. I’m happy to be part of it.”

With Westbrook joining him via video at his press briefing, Turner hinted he would like to join Westbrook at his customary place of business.

“I want you to know we appreciate it,” Turner said. “On behalf of all the kids, thank you very much. Appreciate your generosity. This is not the first time you’ve stepped up for people in the City of Houston, so appreciate it. Look, can’t wait until the season starts and then you and I will continue to play again on the court."

On Sunday, Rockets staff members distributed Easter meals to frontline workers at Memorial Hermann hospitals in Greater Heights and Katy. The meals were prepared and donated by two of Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta’s local businesses, The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston and La Griglia restaurant.