LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A mother and son running two separate Louisville organizations are making a difference this holiday season. 

What You Need To Know

  • The organizations are seeking gently used and pre-washed coats and blankets

  • Donations are being accepted through Jan. 10

  • The Lost Boys & Girls Foundation aims to reduce violence in young people by getting them involved in fitness, education and community engagement

  • The A-One AllStars Foundation provides youth guidance, mentorship and coping skills

Marcus Mayes, 36, has experienced a lot in life. He was born and raised in Louisville’s West End, and as a teenager, he sometimes got into street fights. He joined an MMA (mixed martial arts) gym and said it positively changed his life. 

“Around 20, when I had my daughter, I think it changed my whole perspective of everything,” said Marcus Mayes. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to get better.’” 

Mayes is a champion MMA fighter. He created the Lost Boys & Girls Foundation approximately two years ago.

According to the organization’s website, it supports violence interruption by focusing on the holistic development of young people through fitness, education and community engagement. About six months ago, Mayes opened the Southside Compound in west Louisville to help do just that. 

“I wanted to create a safe space here in the gym,” Mayes said, “and then eventually turn this into a ... health center and have tutoring and everything so kids can have a place to go after school [and] have a positive environment to grow up in instead of out on the streets.”

This year, the Lost Boys & Girls Foundation has partnered with the A-One AllStars Foundation for a coat and blanket drive. The Foundation provides youth guidance, mentorship and coping skills and other programs. They seek gently used and pre-washed coats and blankets. Donations are already coming in for people who need them.

“They should feel safe and comfortable at home, at school,” said Sandy Mayes, Marcus’ mother and the organization’s vice president. “Our goal is to make everybody feel important, to feel like they get the same thing everybody else gets instead of always thinking, ‘I don’t get what they get.’” 

Sandy said the organizations purchased more than $1,000 worth of kids’ hats, gloves and socks combined. She added this is a meaningful experience for her, having lived in the West End her whole life and previously teaching at McFerran Preparatory Academy. 

“We see the kids every day; we see their parents every day needing these kind of things and not wanting to ask for them,” she said. “When you can give them out and they don’t have to ask or feel like they’re getting charity, it works great.” 

The organizations are accepting donations through Jan. 10. 

Drop-off locations:

Lost Boys & Girls Foundation

  • 1432 Berry Blvd., Louisville
  • Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

A-One All Stars Foundation

  • Classroom #3
  • 2500 Portland Ave.
  • Louisville
  • Monday- Friday, any time
  • When dropping items off, text (502) 689-3924

Related Stories