How a local brewery is all wrapped up in providing for families in need this holiday season
HUNTLEY – Having first opened its doors to the Huntley area in 2019, Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom has certainly lived up to its connection with Union Special to become a staple within the community. For those who don’t know, Union Special is an industrial sewing machine factory that has been operating since 1881, having first moved to Huntley in 1948.
Historic roots aside, Sew Hop’d has been keeping busy each holiday season since its debut, to ensure disadvantaged families get the opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays along with everyone else.
Sew Hop’d Manager Katie Hofmann shared how they were able to make a sizeable donation to the Grafton Food Pantry last year, all coming from sales of one of their brews called John Boy Pils. It was named in memory of a friend of the brewery owners and staff, who passed away.
In addition to partnering up with the food pantry again this year, Sew Hop’d along with other small businesses in the Huntley area, have also decided to participate in the Community Santa Project.
“We have a tree with gift tags attached from people from disadvantaged families and folks from the community can buy things from the tags to donate to the families. For any donations brought in from people, we do offer them a discount to our products. It’s just a way we show our appreciation for giving back to the community,” Hofmann said.
Hofmann admits that the current pandemic has been challenging on the brewery, but states that they try to look on the bright side of the situation.
“We’ve been following all the mandates so far, so that means we’re closed for dine in services. This year, we’re also very careful in how we collect donations. We’re just trying to figure out ways where we can still give back to the community during these tough times,” Hofmann explained. “During the first lockdown, we distributed snack pack bundles which we purchased from small business vendors in the area and we paired them with some of our beers.”
Among some of the local businesses Sew Hop’d has collaborated with include Morkes Chocolates, Blessed Little Kitchen and BBQ King to name a few.
“We have a focus on supporting other businesses to spread some positivity,” Hoffman said as she emphasized the importance of shopping local during the pandemic.
“To be honest, we know how difficult it has been the last eight months. We truly hope people in the community, continue to shop local. There’s a lot of places doing different things to stay afloat so just support those places especially during the holidays. This community does a great job already,” Hofmann said. “We hope people continue to stop by and buy our beer and also stay safe and healthy. We can’t thank people enough. We will definitely keep adapting for any situation that comes our way.”
Sew Hop’d Brewery also accepts monetary donations via their website, sewhopd.com, and clicking on the “Beer-To-Go” tab. This year, the Grafton Food Pantry is in need of winter apparel which residents can bring in directly to Sew Hop’d to receive $1 off the purchase of any pint or a four pack to go.
