Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent Set to Launch 15th Annual Toy Share

The Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent will kick off the 15th annual Toy Share drive on Monday, November 3rd for area children. Between November 3 and November 28, the Bank will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys at all Bank Independent locations. You can also donate monetarily through PayPal. All items will be distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across North Alabama.

"The Bank Independent Toy Share drive has become a cherished tradition, helping to bring joy to children and provide relief to families during the holiday season," said Macke Mauldin, CEO of Bank Independent. "Thanks to the generosity of our communities, we’re able to partner with local organizations to ensure that families in need receive the support they deserve. This year, we’re excited to build on that legacy and make an even deeper impact for those we serve."

In 2024, the Toy Share Drive collected 5,039 toys and donated $2,784 in cash to partner organizations in local areas. Over the last 14 years, Toy Share has gathered more than $50,000 in cash donations and has had a financial impact of over $1,150,000 in our communities.

"We're proud to kick off the 15^th annual Helping Hands Foundation Toy Share. Each year, this initiative brings our team and community together to make the holidays a little brighter for children and families in need,” said Jason Windham, President of Bank Independent.” It’s an honor to see how much generosity and care our team members and partners continue to show season after season.”

Toy Share donation and shopping links can be found at www.bibank.com/help.

Charitable organizations distributing Toy Share donations include:

• DHR of Franklin County
• DHR of Lawrence County
• Cornerstone Church of Moulton
• Angel Tree Program with Lexington High School
• DHR of Limestone County
• Christmas Charities Year-Round of Madison County
• Committee on Church Cooperation of Morgan County
• William Porter Foundation in the Shoals
• Shoals CASA, Safeplace of the Shoals
• North Alabama Christian Children's Home
• Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department.

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.