LSU star receiver Kyren Lacy is known for spending his Saturdays catching spectacular touchdown passes.

But Lacy, a Thibodaux High School star football player, took time off from his normal gameday activities during LSU’s bye week to lend a helping hand to those in need on Nov. 2.

He hosted a Thanksgiving turkey drive at Peltier Park in Thibodaux on Nov. 2. He joined forces with the “Bless Your Heart” organization based in Larose to distribute over 100 turkeys to families in Lafourche Parish.

The non-profit organization brought its staff, some of Lacy’s friends and family, his former coaches and South Lafourche High School football players to help with the drive.

A joyful Lacy put his personality on display during the drive, taking pictures, dancing, throwing footballs with his fans and signing autographs.

Lacy helped hand out turkeys as well, making it known that although he came back to have a little bit of fun, he also came to help.

“For me to have that platform is a blessing because I love putting smiles on people’s faces. I just like being positive,” Lacy said.

The director of Bless Your Heart, Jeray Jarreau is thankful for Lacy’s help.

“This is amazing for us to do this, especially with Kyren helping us achieve our mission of helping residents of Lafourche Parish,” Jarreau said.

Lacy’s performance this season has earned that praise. Lacy totaled 618 receiving yards for the Tigers landing him the fourth spot on the SEC receiving leaderboard. The Tigers will play one of the most anticipated games of the season against Alabama in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

Lacy, a 6-foot-2 receiver for the Tigers, has earned a reputation as one of the next great LSU receivers by fans and analysts this season. That title puts him among the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jamar Chase, former LSU receivers with undoubtable success in the NFL.

His rise to the top ranks of college football is something that his mother Kandace Washington still finds hard to fathom.

“It’s surreal because when this started taking place, I didn’t realize how big this would be. I am very proud of him and excited for his future,” Washington said.

Back Home

It has been a long five years of college football for Lacy, who started his career at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he played three years before transferring to LSU.

Although he made a home at Louisiana-Lafayette and LSU, he always regards Thibodaux as home. He has shined at the top level of college football, but never forgot where he came from.

“Thibodaux is where I’m from,” Lacy said. “It birthed me. It’s what made me who I am today. There’s nothing like giving back to your own community.”

Lacy said he believes the Thibodaux community has given him the support he needed throughout his career, from youth football through high school and college.

Washington said she loves the support the Thibodaux community shows for Lacy, adding that it has “played a vital role in his life.”

A mother’s love

The love Lacy receives from the community dwarfs in comparison to what he receives from his mom.

“My mom is everything. She made sure we had everything we needed,” Lacy said. “We didn’t want for nothing.”

His mom worked up to three jobs at times, devoting every second she had to Lacy and his two younger brothers – Jayden and Liam.

Through hectic football seasons, she made sure to take time out of her life to attend her son’s football games. She spent time flying or driving from Houston just to watch him and his brother play.

That love and support from his mother is something that Lacy will never let go unnoticed.

“She’s always been that figure in my life that pushed me to do positive things,” he said.

His mother sees the positivity that radiates from him and is proud of the son she raised.

“He is caring. He has a big heart,” Washington said. “He’s motivated and dedicated and wants to represent Thibodaux in a positive way.”

Lacy made it clear that this is not the last time he is going to give back.

“This is the first of many food drives,” Lacy said.