Tuscaloosa's One Place Gearing Up To Help Families This Holiday Season

TUSCALOOSA, AL — As the holiday season approaches, Tuscaloosa’s One Place is partnering with community organizations to spread cheer through three initiatives designed to support West Alabama families in need.

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The nonprofit’s efforts include Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts for children, and one of the area’s most beloved holiday attractions — the Tuscaloosa’s One Place Tinsel Trail.

“Every family deserves to experience the joy and connection the holiday season brings,” said Kevin Besnoy, executive director of Tuscaloosa’s One Place. “Through the generosity of our community and partners, Tuscaloosa’s One Place is committed to ensuring families feel the joy that the holidays are meant to bring.”

Thanksgiving Meals for Local Families

Piggly Wiggly stores across Tuscaloosa County are teaming up with the organization for the “Turkeys for Tuscaloosa’s One Place” drive.

Families will receive a bag of nonperishable foods and a voucher for a turkey redeemable at any local Piggly Wiggly location. Buffalo Rock Co. is also supporting the effort by providing a 2-liter Pepsi with each meal.

Community members can help by purchasing a meal for a family for $12 at any Tuscaloosa Piggly Wiggly store.

Holiday Heart Program

Through the Holiday Heart Program, Tuscaloosa’s One Place ensures that families it serves year-round can celebrate the holidays despite financial hardship.

The program provides gifts and basic necessities to roughly 250 children each year, relying on the support of local donors and businesses.

Businesses and organizations can host toy drives by contacting Maggie McNeilly or John Mullenix at 205-462-1000.

Donations of new clothes and toys can be dropped off at Tuscaloosa’s One Place (810 27th Avenue, Tuscaloosa) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or made through monetary contributions by mail or online.

Tinsel Trail Grand Opening

The Tuscaloosa’s One Place Tinsel Trail returns Nov. 24 with a Grand Opening celebration at Government Plaza beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature the official lighting of the trail, complimentary photos with Santa at the plaza gazebo until 7 p.m., and performances, refreshments, and holiday activities for all ages.

The Tinsel Trail will also feature more than 200 live trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Children can send wish lists to the North Pole via The Noon Show’s “Letters to Santa” mailbox.

Limited sponsorship spaces remain available for those interested in decorating a tree.

The trail will remain open for public viewing through Jan. 1, 2026, with lights shining from dusk to dawn.

Admission to all Tinsel Trail events is free.

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