The 13th annual Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent School Share drive collected 6,434 school supply items and $7,702 in monetary donations, generating a total financial impact of $20,609 for children and families across North Alabama.
The monetary contributions included a $5,000 donation from Bank Independent to Clothe Our Kids, an organization that provides clothing and other essential items to children in need.
The School Share drive was held June 29 through July 17, with donations accepted at Bank Independent sales offices throughout the organization’s seven-county footprint. The drive concluded with four community collection day events on July 17 in Florence, Athens, Decatur and Madison.
Over the past 13 years, School Share has made a total financial impact of $354,851 across the communities Bank Independent serves.
“School Share demonstrates what is possible when our communities come together around a shared purpose,” said Macke Mauldin, CEO of Bank Independent. “Every school supply and monetary donation represents an investment in a child and their opportunity to begin the school year prepared and confident. We are grateful to our customers, team members and community partners for helping us make a positive difference for students and families throughout North Alabama.”
Bank Independent partners with organizations across its service area to ensure donations reach local children and families in need. This year, donations will be distributed through Rescue Me in Lauderdale and Colbert counties, the Alabama Department of Human Resources offices in Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone counties, the Committee on Church Cooperation in Morgan County, and Free 2 Teach in Madison County.
For more information about the Helping Hands Foundation and opportunities to support its programs, 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.