CHICAGO -- In discussing the social justice issues that have led to unrest and protests around the country this year, Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward has emphasized the need to take positive action and to create conversation in the name of change.

Heyward points to a moment that meant a lot to him back in June, when he joined a group of Chicago's professional athletes in Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the West Side. They met with a group of kids from the area and were joined by members of the Chicago Police Department. They formed healing circles and engaged in conversation about all that has been happening.

"It was huge," Heyward said. "Having cops, having kids in the community on the West Side of Chicago. To me, that was huge for myself, to personally be able to ask questions, to hear their stories, to be able to relate with them as human beings."

That event gets to the core of Heyward and why he was named this year's Cubs nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. That annual accolade aims to recognize the MLB player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

Heyward has embraced playing in Chicago and has sought ways to help communities around the city, having action follow his words. In 2020, that has meant searching for avenues to do his part in helping with the COVID-19 pandemic and areas impacted not only by that, but dealing with the multifaceted dynamics of the social justice protests.

Here are a few of Heyward's notable contributions this year:

• A $100,000 donation to MASK (Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings), a non-profit violence prevention organization, which has recently focused on supporting low-income youth and families impacted by COVID-19.

• A $100,000 donation to the University of Chicago Medical Center to support healthcare workers, as well as adult and pediatric patients and families affected by COVID-19.

• A $75,000 donation to convert a liquor store into a food mart in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, a predominantly African American area recently impacted by recent looting.

• A $100,000 donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

• Joined The Players Alliance, which includes more than 100 Black current and former players, in donating salary from Aug. 27-28 to causes that combat racial inequality and aid Black families and communities affected by recent events.

• Advocates for the non-profit organization, More than A Vote, which was created by NBA superstar LeBron James to encourage voter registration among African Americans.

Those are only causes that Heyward has helped in 2020. He has annually contributed to Cubs Charities and has donated to other initiatives in previous seasons.

Cubs manager David Ross, who was on hand for the ceremony when Anthony Rizzo won the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award, said he texted Heyward on Thursday night to congratulate the outfielder on the nomination.

"I think the Roberto Clemente Award is the coolest one to get," Ross said. "It's just a really cool trophy and just represents so much. So, I was texting him last night about that. It just made me think about all that's gone on and how he's led our group in so many areas this year.

"We've talked multiple times about kind of the underlying leadership qualities he has, and when he speaks, how much weight it carries. And in such a unique season and what we've been going through -- with COVID and the racial issues -- him continuing to stay true to himself and be a leader in those areas has been really remarkable."

Heyward said he has not been seeking the spotlight with any of these donations or causes, but was proud to see his name listed alongside others around the Major Leagues who are helping in their communities.

He noted that one of the benefits -- no matter who takes home the award -- is the ability to highlight the many programs and charities around the country.

"It's great to bring some awareness," he said, "and to kind of reward some people that are doing a lot of hard work behind the scenes, especially when we talk about the COVID stuff people have been dealing with all year in this country, and obviously across the world.

"The city of Chicago, right here at home for us, a lot of people are doing a lot of good things to keep us afloat. Then, you talk about the West Side of Chicago, the South Side of Chicago, the battles that are going on there. It's not right for us to complain and talk about how many deaths there are and then not go do something.

"So, it's huge for me, personally, to go give back to this city, admittedly. But also, as athletes, baseball players, it's huge for us to be able to do our part. And it's nice to see our names up there for a lot of positivity and giving back."