The week leading into Thanksgiving came with a significant assist from the Philadelphia 76ers—specifically Tyrese Maxey, who put up community numbers that rival his on-court stat line.
Through the Tyrese Maxey Foundation, the All-Star guard helped distribute 3,000 full turkey dinners to families across Philadelphia, turning the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center into a holiday hub, according to ABC 6.
While Maxey wasn’t the only one making it happen, his family played a central role. His mother, Denyse Maxey—who also serves as the foundation’s Executive Director—was on-site guiding volunteers as boxes, bags, and frozen turkeys moved steadily out the door.
“Our goal is just really to do what we can to empower the youth,” Denyse said, explaining why the foundation anchors its programming around access, education, and leadership. “We want to make sure that they have what they need today to develop into the leaders for tomorrow.”
She added that these moments resonate deeply with her son. “It does make us feel good. It makes Tyrese feel good. It’s very powerful for him to be in this position and to say, ‘not only am I going to do my job on the court, but I’m also going to do my job to give back to the community.’”
For Maxey, it’s a continuation of the purpose that shaped the foundation from the beginning. The organization centers its work on the “Identify, Solve, Monitor, Adjust” model—an approach designed to create long-term pathways in areas such as financial literacy, personal development, and academic preparation. The broader mission is to build consistent access for families and young people, not just in Philadelphia but nationwide.
During the giveaway, Maxey emphasized that his service connection started long before he put on a 76ers' jersey.
“I want people to see that I’m not just a basketball player,” he said. “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.”
The foundation’s brand story traces back to Maxey’s childhood—rooted in faith, discipline, and the belief that talent is only one part of the equation. The organization was built to extend those values outward, offering programs that help families navigate real challenges while preparing the next generation for long-term success.