What began as a response to tragedy has grown into a lasting commitment to hope.

Founded in 2011 following the devastating April 27 tornado outbreak, Bank Independent’s Helping Hands Program was created to meet urgent community needs in a moment of crisis. Today, it has evolved into the Helping Hands Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors across the communities we serve.

Bank Independent’s annual Toy Share Drive once again delivered holiday cheer to children across North Alabama, collecting 2,924 toys and raising $2,763.99 in cash during the 2025 drive.

Bank Independent was recently named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama for the sixth consecutive year. This annual program, now in its fourteenth year, was created by Business Alabama magazine and Best Companies Group to recognize employers that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and overall employee experience.

Bank Independent was proud to recognize two students from Athens State University as recipients of the 2025 Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship. The pair were honored at a reception hosted by Bank Independent and Athens State representatives.

Six University of North Alabama students were recognized by representatives from Bank Independent and UNA as the 2025 recipients of the Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship.

Bank Independent is proud to recognize two students from Northwest Shoals Community College as recipients of the 2025 Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship. The students were honored at a reception hosted by Bank Independent and NWSCC representatives.

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 12th annual Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent School Share drive, conducted from June 30 through July 18, contributed a total of $1,492.85 in cash and an additional 3,771 school supply items to local partner organizations.

Bank Independent sponsored 31 Shoals area high school juniors and seniors from 11 schools to participate in the Alabama Bankers Association Legislative Day event in Montgomery on Wednesday, April 16.

Bank Independent is excited to announce the launch of Food and Family Share, beginning on March 10th. For the past 11 years, Bank Independent has hosted the Food Share drive to help fight food insecurity in our communities. This year, the initiative expands to include the Family Share component, collecting not only non-perishable food items but also baby diapers to support local families in need.