Local Sports Bar Sponsors a Family in Need For the Holiday Season

The Red Shed, a local bar known for its live music and Mr. Tee's Gameday BBQ, has teamed up with Tuscaloosa's One Place to participate in their Holiday Heart campaign for the first time this holiday season.

The bar, which normally holds charitable events throughout the year, was not able to do so in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Not to dwell on how tough 2020 has been but, despite some of the hardships, we've been fortunate enough to be able to be open and stay open at this point, despite some of the restrictions," said Madison Khanifar, Marketing and Event Manager at The Red Shed. "I think now more than ever there's individuals and families who [weren't] able to do that so this you know just kind of seemed like the least we could do to be able to help out."

The Holiday Heart campaign allows individuals and organizations to "adopt" a family in need and donate clothing, toys or money to ensure these families have what they need for the holidays. According to The Red Shed Owner Kian Khanifar, the bar holds a charitable event each month during a typical year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the small business felt they compelled to give back this holiday season.

The family that they have sponsored is in need of clothes, shoes and socks but will also accept toys and monetary donations.

"It is really amazing to see what relief our families experience by knowing that their children, no matter their circumstances at the time, they're going to have a Christmas," Tuscaloosa One Place Director of Communications Ashley Cornelius-Hester said. "There's been a profound need this year with so much going on with job insecurity and any number of things with our families. We're excited to be able to continue to offer it in a way that is able to help those families in need."

The bar will be accepting donations until Dec. 14. For more information about The Red Shed follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

To get involved in the Holiday Heart campaign, check out Tuscaloosa One Place's website or email Workforce Development Case Manager, Dre Vaden at dvaden@tuscaloosaoneplace.org.