A new school year brings excitement, fresh routines, and new opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. But for many families, it can also bring added financial pressure as they work to provide the supplies, clothing, and other essentials their children need to begin the year with confidence.

That is why Bank Independent is proud to kick off the 13th annual School Share drive, a Helping Hands Program initiative focused on supporting local students and families across our communities.

Running June 29 through July 17, School Share gives team members, customers, and community partners the opportunity to come together and provide much-needed school supplies for children preparing to return to the classroom. Through this year’s “$5 Helps Carry the Cost” campaign, every donation helps provide essential items that can make a meaningful difference for a student on the first day of school and throughout the year.

At Bank Independent, we believe that strong communities begin with people helping people. Through the Helping Hands Program, we are committed to supporting local organizations, meeting practical needs, and making a positive difference where we live and work. School Share is one way we can help remove barriers for students so they can focus on what matters most: learning.

Having the right school supplies may seem simple, but for a student, those supplies can represent preparation, confidence, and belonging. A backpack, notebook, pack of pencils, or box of crayons can help a child walk into the classroom ready to participate and succeed. For teachers and families, donated supplies can also help relieve some of the financial strain that often comes with back-to-school season.

This year, Bank Independent will also hold School Share collection day events on Friday, July 17, at four locations across our footprint, including Florence, Athens, Decatur, and Madison. These events will give our communities another opportunity to support local students and help make this year’s drive a success.

To help kick off School Share, Bank Independent is making a $5,000 donation to Clothe Our Kids of North Alabama. While school supplies are often the first thing we think of when preparing for a new school year, students also need clothing, shoes, and other essentials that help them feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. Clothe Our Kids helps meet those needs by providing clothing to children and teens across North Alabama.

Community members who want to support this part of the back-to-school effort can also donate directly to Clothe Our Kids. Direct donations help the organization continue providing clothing and essentials for students who need them most, ensuring more children can begin the school year prepared from head to toe.

This partnership reflects the heart of School Share and the Helping Hands Program: meeting real needs in practical ways. When students have the supplies they need and clothing they can feel good wearing, they are better prepared to start the year focused, encouraged, and ready to learn.

Community members can participate in the School Share drive in several ways:

• Donate easily through PayPal

• Bring school supply donations to any Bank Independent Sales Office or to our Collection Day locations.

• For more information about the School Share drive and how to give, visit hhfal.org.

The Helping Hands Foundation, Bank Independent, and our communities are working together to make a positive difference. With your support, we can help local students begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready for what is ahead.