As they have every year since 2022, members of the Tyrese Maxey Foundation took part in a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive Saturday morning at The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center.
Families in need gathered around The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, waiting patiently not only to receive a Thanksgiving meal, but also to see the 76ers Franchise star, Tyrese Maxey, who was coming off of setting a new career-high in scoring, and joining Wilt Chamberlain in the franchise record book.
This year, for their fourth annual Holiday Turkey Drive, the Tyrese Maxey Foundation gave away a record 3,000 Thanksgiving meals, including turkey, sides, fresh produce and sweet treats. The non-profit has given away more meals every year since the event's inception, including 400 meals in 2022, 1,000 in 2023, and 2,000 in 2024.
"It's growing," Maxey noted. "The foundation, my uncle, my mama, everybody that's a part of it is doing an amazing job. I remember when I first came to it, like I said, it was just a small idea that I wanted to do, and it's turned grand. And it's a really good feeling."
Maxey is larger than life in the city as an NBA talent who has accomplished much in his young career, but there is still more to him than his on-court accomplishments. With events like this Thanksgiving meal drive, Maxey is able to not only give back but also fulfill what was asked of him by the person who inspired his heart to give.
At the third annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway, which took place on Saturday, Nov. 23, last year, Maxey discussed his inspiration for giving back, his beloved grandmother, whose death in 2020 played no small part in the formation of the Tyrese Maxey Foundation, the following, and all of the charitable work both he and the non-profit have taken part in since.
"My grandmother, who passed away, my dad's mom, called her Mimi—she was big on it," Maxey said at last year's event. "She was always telling me, 'You didn't have anybody around our neighborhood that gave back and did camps and did turkey [drives], but you didn't have anybody like that. So if you're able to do that, if you're able to make it, then that stuff should be on the forefront of your mind."
This year, Maxey re-emphasized the importance of not only providing for the community but also being actively involved in the efforts, not just a name slapped on an event.
"I want people to see that I'm not just a basketball player, I'm a person as well. You know? I grew up in places where I wanted to give back there too, and so now I'm blessed to be able to have that impact in Philadelphia. So why not do it? You know what I mean? And why not be a part of it? I don't want to just have my name [on something,] I always want to come and be supportive. I have practice later on, but [I] still have to come here first and be a part of this."
The Sixers' star guard was all smiles — he is rarely anything but — as he greeted the families throughout the building, posing for pictures, taking intermittent dance breaks to the DJ on-site.
As for where he'd like to see this tradition, Maxey sees nowhere but up in terms of providing a happier Thanksgiving for the community in need.
"Just keep growing," Maxey said of the future. "Keep growing. The more families we can feed, I mean, that's the biggest thing, just trying to give back and feed families. And then, it's the holiday season, just trying to spread joy."
The impact that Tyrese Maxey has made on not only the Philadelphia 76ers but also the community in and around Philadelphia is profound and continues to grow each year, thanks to his dedication and the work of all those at the Tyrese Maxey Foundation.
To learn more about the work of the Tyrese Maxey Foundation and how you can support the non-profit, visit tyresemaxeyfoundation.com.
