The 14th annual Bank Independent Toy Share Drive collected a record 5,039 toys between November 4th and December 6th. An additional $2,783.77 in cash was also donated.
All donations were distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across North Alabama in time for the holidays. Toy Share is the last of four annual Share drives hosted by Bank Independent to give back to the community as part of the Helping Hands Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed toys, time, and resources to bring joy to children in need this holiday season,” said Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of BancIndependent, Inc. “The success of this year’s Toy Share Drive was made possible by the amazing generosity of our community. Your kindness inspires us all and exemplifies the positive difference we can achieve together as we head into 2025.”
Since Toy Share started in 2011, over 47,000 items and over $50,000 in cash have been donated to the families in our local communities. The total economic impact has surpassed the $1 million mark.
"The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and giving back, and this year we’re thrilled to have broken the record for the number of toys collected through our annual Toy Share drive," said Hallie Mauldin, Community Engagement Officer for Bank Independent. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and to the charitable organizations that work alongside us to distribute these toys, bringing holiday cheer to children in need throughout our communities."
This year, the bank accepted donations from team members at all 33 Bank Independent locations. Additionally, the foundation accepted monetary donations through PayPal and Venmo.
More information on all the share drives and the Helping Hands Foundation can be found at www.bibank.com/helping-hands-foundation.
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.
