FOR EDITORIAL REVIEW

J.D. Youth Foundation
Continuing a Fort Smith legacy of giving.

A hometown tradition of Thanksgiving service, youth encouragement, and community connection.

FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — Jermaine Carlos Diaz, founder of the J.D. Youth Foundation, is highlighting the community's annual Thanksgiving giving tradition and the importance of young people seeing positive examples of service. In November 2025, KHBS 40/29 reported that the foundation distributed 200 turkeys at the Fort Smith Boxing Club during its third annual giveaway. Diaz describes the giving tradition as a way to honor his godfather, Donald Eugene Carter. The 2025 giveaway was covered by KHBS 40/29.

In November 2024, KHBS 40/29 reported on King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church's distribution of 300 turkeys, quoting Diaz on why helping families in the community where he grew up is meaningful to him.

The foundation's stated mission is to encourage young people through personal experience, community engagement, and service. Future coverage can explore the people and partnerships behind the events, and the next generation of volunteers.

This is an organization-authored media statement, not an independent news article. Confirm partner names, upcoming dates, organization status, and press contact before distribution. Do not imply the mayor participated until corroborated.