Foundation Will Distribute Care Packages in Jacksonville
The nonprofit will launch its first outreach initiative to provide resources and mentorship to local youth.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Philanthropy
The newly established Matthew's Legacy of Light Foundation will distribute 100 care packages to Jacksonville residents on September 26, 2026. This initiative marks the organization's first public outreach event focused on youth support and mental health awareness.
Why it matters
The foundation was launched in June 2026 by Natasha Jackson to honor the memory of her son, Matthew Jackson, and address community needs regarding gun violence and youth advocacy. These initiatives establish a new framework for local nonprofit resource distribution in the area.
The Matthew's Legacy of Light Foundation is launching with a distribution of 100 care packages. This outreach effort follows the June 2026 founding of the organization, which intends to grow into a permanent resource facility for local youth mentorship.
The players
Natasha Jackson
Founder of the Matthew's Legacy of Light Foundation and advocate for youth mentorship and gun violence awareness.
Matthew Jackson
A deceased 18-year-old student who previously attended Riverside High School.
Dawud Burritt
A 28-year-old individual currently charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
The details
The foundation operates through incremental program initiatives designed to provide direct support to the Jacksonville community. By organizing physical distribution events, the nonprofit aims to bridge service gaps for local youth. Future operational plans include the establishment of a dedicated physical facility to house mentorship and resource programs.
Timeline
Nov. 22, 2025: Matthew Jackson was killed at a Blanding Boulevard business.
June 2026: Natasha Jackson founded the Matthew's Legacy of Light Foundation.
September 26, 2026: Foundation distributes 100 care packages at noon.
Market Landscape
The foundation's launch follows the Nov. 22, 2025, shooting at a Blanding Boulevard Burger King as a community-led response to the violence. It shifts the local philanthropic focus toward proactive youth mentorship and violence prevention programs.
Operators in the community should monitor the foundation's expansion plans, as this organization may represent a new partner for local outreach and resource allocation. Businesses in the vicinity of 525 North Noonan St. should prepare for increased foot traffic during the noon event on September 26.
The takeaway
The Matthew's Legacy of Light Foundation provides a new model for local advocacy centered on youth support and mental health. Owners should track the foundation's scale-up to identify potential alignment with corporate social responsibility efforts or local workforce development programs.
What happens next
The foundation plans to open a dedicated facility for youth mentorship and resources, though no official opening date has been announced.
Further reading
For more on how local organizations are engaging with community initiatives, see our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
