Charles Barkley is making a difference in his hometown of Leeds, AL.

According to Southern Living Magazine, he’s donated over $3 million in scholarships to the graduates of Leeds over the years. Plus, he also donated laptops and cleaning supplies, worked to ensure students would have Wi-Fi hotspots, and gave every school system employee $1,000.

Decision To Become A Majority Owner Of Redmont Vodka

Barkley is working to improve the state from end to end and wants to see its economy prosper.

This has played a part in his decision to become a majority owner of Birmingham-based, Redmont Vodka. Working with the company was the right fit for Barkley because he was looking to invest in a company based in his hometown. Of course, he loved their vodka, too!

“I’m a vodka splash of cranberry guy. I love vodka. I really think our product is really good or I wouldn’t have bought the company,” Barkley said during a launch party, celebrating a partnership between Redmont Vodka and Logan’s Roadhouse, according to Southern Living.

Full Circle Moment For Barkley

Redmont Vodka can be found nationally at Logan’s Roadhouses.

For Barkley, the feat came full circle because he remembers going to the restaurant as a kid with his mother.

“This is my hometown and to do an event here, and I want to thank Logans for picking up the vodka, but to do an event in Leeds makes it even more special,” he said. “This is my hometown. Means a lot to me… I just want to see Leeds do well and thrive.”

Barkley's Efforts Extend Beyond Alabama

Barkley’s efforts also extend beyond his state.

As AfroTech previously told you, Barkley donated $1 million to Spelman College.

This was the sixth time he donated to a Historically Black College and University.