Sheffield, Ala. – Wednesday, May 1, 2019 – Over $562 in cash donations and 9,850 non-perishable food items were collected through the Bank Independent’s sixth annual Food Share drive, more than doubling last year’s generous efforts. These items, along with cash donations, have been delivered to local charitable organizations for distribution to area families in need.
“Food Share is one of four Bank Independent annual Helping Hands Initiatives,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “Each initiative provides unique opportunities for our team members to make a positive difference in our communities. Food Share allows us to focus our efforts and impact families undergoing hardships by meeting their most basic needs. We’re grateful to the excellent local organizations who address these needs daily. We’re honored to partner with them through this drive.”
All Bank Independent locations served as collection points throughout the 2019 Food Share drive. The event culminated on Friday, April 26 in all-day food collection efforts set up by Bank Independent at grocery stores in six counties, including Foodland stores in Moulton, Priceville and Russleville; Walmart locations in Athens, Florence and Madison. Bank Independent Helping Hands employee volunteers donated 168 hours to the effort.
Food Share donations were distributed to local organizations that maintain food banks to fill emergency food needs. In addition to the Committee on Church Cooperation in Morgan County, recipients included the Neighborhood Christian Center in Decatur, the Departments of Human Resources of Lawrence County and Franklin County, Limestone County Churches Involved, Inc., Sidney’s Safe! Foundation in the Shoals, and Manna House in Huntsville.
The Share drives are part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands program, which also includes employee volunteer efforts, donations and sponsorships. Other Share drives include Shelter Share to benefit animal shelters, Toy Share to collect toys for the holidays, and the upcoming School Share drive for school supplies.
Helping Hands was inspired by employee requests for organized volunteer opportunities after the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. Since then, Bank Independent employees have donated over 6,832 hours in paid volunteer time to community efforts serving over 82 organizations.
About Bank Independent
Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 28 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama and one Digital Sales Office, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All of our employees reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.
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For more information, press only:
Bank Independent, Marketing Department for Bank Independent, (256) 386-5000, ma@bibank.com
