What began as a response to tragedy has grown into a lasting commitment to hope.

Founded in 2011 following the devastating April 27 tornado outbreak, Bank Independent’s Helping Hands Program was created to meet urgent community needs in a moment of crisis. Today, it has evolved into the Helping Hands Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors across the communities we serve.

Rooted in our founders’ belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” the Helping Hands Foundation reflects Bank Independent’s enduring commitment to service. Each year, we devote a substantial portion of our earnings to donations and sponsorships that support local organizations, families, and individuals—ensuring that our impact stays close to home.

The Helping Hands volunteer initiative was also created—an ongoing effort designed to empower our team members to serve their communities in meaningful ways. Through this initiative, all Bank Independent team members, both part-time and full-time, are given eight hours of paid volunteer time each year to support causes close to their hearts across the communities we serve.

Since its inception, Helping Hands volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of service, supporting a wide range of local needs, including:

• Charitable thrift stores
• Food pantries
• Animal shelters
• School events
• Community festivals
• Parks and community gardens
• Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

In 2025, that commitment was stronger than ever.

Expanding Support Through Food & Family Share

In 2025, the Helping Hands Foundation proudly launched the inaugural Food & Family Share Drive, marking a meaningful evolution in one of our longest-running traditions.

Thanks to the generosity of our customers, team members, and community partners, the drive raised $2,563 in monetary donations and collected more than 1,080 essential items for local families.

For the first time, Food Share expanded beyond food to include diapers—recognizing that supporting families means addressing a broader range of basic needs. Donations were distributed to organizations serving emergency needs across our footprint, including county DHR offices, shelters, food ministries, and community support centers.

Every donation stayed local, ensuring that families in each county benefited directly from the generosity of their neighbors.

Investing in Education Through School Share

The 12th annual School Share Drive, held from June 30 through July 18, continued our long-standing commitment to supporting students and educators across North Alabama.

In 2025, School Share generated $1,492.85 in cash donations and collected an additional 3,771 school supply items for local partner organizations. To make giving more accessible, monetary donations were accepted through PayPal, all Bank Independent sales offices served as drop-off locations, and a special collection event was held at Walmart stores in Florence and Madison.

Since its inception, School Share has created a total financial impact of $334,242.23, equipping thousands of students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and strengthening the communities they call home.

Running Together for a Greater Cause

On October 25, 2025, the Helping Hands Foundation brought the community together once again by hosting the Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5K—an event that celebrates health, connection, and giving back.

The event welcomed 301 runners in the Half Marathon and 199 participants in the 5K, drawing athletes, families, and supporters from across the region. Each step taken represented more than a race—it was a shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Events like the Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5K play a vital role in supporting the Foundation’s mission, helping fund initiatives that strengthen local communities while creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to come together for a common purpose.

Spreading Holiday Joy With Toy Share

The year concluded with one of our most anticipated traditions: Toy Share.

During the 2025 Toy Share Drive, the Helping Hands Foundation collected 2,924 toys and raised $2,763.99 in cash, delivering holiday joy to children across North Alabama. Donations were distributed through trusted local organizations to ensure gifts reached children in need in time for the holidays.

Toy Share is the final of four annual Share Drives hosted by Bank Independent, and since its launch in 2011, it has generated tens of thousands of donated items and more than $50,000 in monetary contributions—creating a total economic impact that has now surpassed $1 million in the communities we serve.

Serving Side by Side Through Volunteerism

At the heart of the Helping Hands Foundation is a commitment to showing up—not just through donations, but through hands-on service.

In 2025, Bank Independent team members contributed a total of 747 volunteer hours through Helping Hands events across the communities we serve. These hours represent time spent supporting local nonprofit organizations, participating in community initiatives, and lending a helping hand where it was needed most.

From food pantries and school events to community cleanups and charitable programs, our team members’ dedication reflects a shared belief that meaningful impact happens when we serve side by side with our neighbors.

Volunteerism remains a cornerstone of the Helping Hands Foundation, strengthening community partnerships and reinforcing our mission to make a positive difference—one hour, one effort, and one community at a time.

Looking Ahead

Each Share Drive, donation, and partnership reflects a simple truth: when communities come together with a shared purpose, real change happens.

In 2025, the Helping Hands Foundation continued to grow, adapt, and find new ways to meet evolving needs—always to strengthen the places we call home. We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave, volunteered, partnered, and supported these efforts throughout the year.

Together, we are making a positive difference—one neighbor, one family, and one community at a time.