Sheffield, Ala. – Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – The 7th annual Bank Independent Shelter Share drive collected a total of 4,178 items and $1,427.37 in donations. Additionally, the bank donated over $7,000, sponsored 17 pet adoptions and provided 266 volunteer hours directly to animal shelters in northwest Alabama. These numbers reflect an overall financial impact of over $43,200 for our local, community animal shelters.
During the three-weeks-long drive, all locations of the bank served as donation points for pet food and supplies designated to support local animal shelters. Helping Hands volunteers were also allowed to set up one-day collection points at Pet Depot stores in Florence, Muscle Shoals, Athens and Huntsville, and the Walmart in Hartselle in support of Shelter Share.Bank Independent introduced the sponsorship of no-fee adoptions at the Florence/Lauderdale Animal Services shelter during the last week of Shelter Share. The bank arranged to pay all fees associated with vetted and approved animal adoptions over a four-day period. The shelter approved and finalized 17 successful no-fee adoptions.
“Over the last 7 years, we’ve learned that our local shelters rely heavily on donations to meet the daily needs of the animals in their care,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “The bank is pleased to be able to provide this much needed support with the generous support of our team members and the community.”
Every Bank Independent sales office across the seven counties they serve accepted donations of pet food, kitty litter, paper towels, nursing bottles, cleaning supplies, first aid items, and used blankets, bedding and towels. The supplies were delivered to the Athens Limestone Animal Shelter, Colbert County Animal Control Association, Decatur Animal Services, Morgan County Animal Shelter, Huntsville Animal Shelter and Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter.
Bank Independent has a stated mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The Helping Hands initiatives are an important component to the success of this mission. The Shelter Share drive was established in 2014 as a result of Bank employees seeing a need and taking action. Over the last 7 years Shelter Share has collected and distributed over 12,135 items, $5,227 in community donations for a total impact of $126,570.00 for the benefit of local shelters.
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
Image:
Photo Credit: Jason Bowie
Front Row L-R: Jennifer Nichols, Christa Dean, Thompson, Cheryl Jones, Anita Crittenden, Jennifer Lang