Alabama A&M University junior Jay Mayes Jr. is building a future rooted in service, leadership and creativity, both on campus and in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. The accounting major and Crew 75 photographer and his family continued their long-standing holiday tradition, the Mayes Family Thanksgiving Giveaway, now officially known as the New Vision Outreach Group Thanksgiving Giveaway.

For more than two decades, the event at New Life Missionary Baptist Church has brought hope and holiday relief to families across Montgomery. The tradition began long before Mayes was born, when his father, Jay Mayes Sr., started serving Thanksgiving dinners at the Williams Kids Franklin Boys Club in 2004. What started as a small act of giving has grown into a community effort that now provides boxed meals to hundreds of households.

This year, 160 boxes were distributed to families, each filled with essentials, including the turkeys Mayes Jr. picked up, bagged and loaded into cars throughout the day. In addition to hands-on work, he used his photography and videography skills to capture the memories and preserve the impact his family continues to make.

“I enjoy seeing how this work touches people,” said Mayes. “Mentoring the kids who come through the event and knowing we can make someone’s holiday a little easier means everything to me. I’m proud to help carry on something my dad created.”

Mayes credits a team of dedicated family members for making the annual giveaway possible, including his Nana Patricia Jones, mom Mary Stromer, stepmom April Mayes, nephew Zakaiden Knight and cousin Drado Jones, who help every year.

His father, Jay Mayes Sr., says the event has always been about something larger than himself.

“I truly believe God is the star. He just allows me to shine,” he said.

Back on The Hill, Mayes’ drive for excellence continues. He was recently named a Blaze Fellow, an achievement that positions him among high-potential students preparing for success in the digital economy. The fellowship, paired with his experience in Crew 75, is helping him merge financial discipline with creative storytelling – skills he hopes to use to uplift and empower communities like the one where he grew up.

But no matter how far his academic and professional path takes him, Mayes says the Thanksgiving giveaway will always remain part of who he is.

“It’s more than giving out food,” he said. “It’s about giving hope. It’s about honoring my dad and the community that shaped me. As long as this event continues, I’ll be there.”