The 13th annual Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent Food and Family Share Drive, conducted from April 6 through April 24 contributed a total of $7090.99 in cash and an additional 1,238 nonperishable food items and caregiving items to local partner organizations. The cash total included a $5,000 donation to the Tiny Cubs Organization, which supports local families in need and is a part of the UNA Anderson College of Nursing.
“Food and Family Share continues to be a powerful example of what we can achieve when our team members, customers, and community partners come together,” said Macke Mauldin, CEO of Bank Independent. “This initiative reflects our shared belief that no neighbor should go without the resources and nourishment they need to thrive. We remain committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve.”
To make contributing more convenient, the drive accepted monetary donations through PayPal, while all Bank Independent sales offices served as drop-off locations for essential food and caregiving supplies. A special collection event was also held on April 24 at four different grocery stores across the Bank Independent footprint— Foodland on Highway 72 in Killen, Foodland on Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals, Foodland on Highway 67 in Priceville, and Star Market on Pratt Avenue in Huntsville—to further boost community participation.
The collection event was a huge success helping achieve the final total of 1,238 donated items. For non-perishable food items, there were: 684 cans, 40 jars, 418 boxed items, 19 bagged items, and 44 individual servings. There was also a total of 33 diaper boxes donated.
Bank Independent partners with local organizations across its seven-county footprint to ensure that donations are distributed to area families in need. This year, donations will be distributed through The Help Center in Lauderdale County, Meal Barrel of Colbert County, DHR of Franklin County, DHR of Lawrence County, DHR of Limestone County, Neighborhood Christian Center in Morgan County, and Downtown Rescue Mission and Manna House in Madison County.
For more information on the Helping Hands Foundation and how you can donate, please visit www.bibank.com/help.
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 33 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the 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 our team members 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.
About Helping Hands Foundation
Bank Independent's Helping Hands Program was founded in 2011 following the devastating April 27 tornado outbreak. The program has since grown into the Helping Hands Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors across the communities we serve. The foundation includes community involvement, team member volunteer initiatives, and annual share drives held throughout the year. For more information on the Helping Hands Foundation, visit us at www.hhfal.org.