The 13th annual School Share drive wrapped up this month with more than 6,400 school supply items and nearly $20,000 in total financial impact for children and families across North Alabama.

The Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent collected 6,434 school supply items and $7,702 in monetary donations during the drive, which ran June 29 through July 17. Donations were accepted at Bank Independent sales offices across the organization’s seven-county footprint, with the drive concluding with community collection events July 17 in Florence, Athens, Decatur and Madison.

The monetary contributions included a $5,000 donation from Bank Independent to Clothe Our Kids, an organization that provides clothing and essential items to children in need.

Bank Independent Chief Executive Officer Macke Mauldin said the drive reflects what communities can accomplish when they rally around a shared purpose.

“Every school supply and monetary donation represents an investment in a child and their opportunity to begin the school year prepared and confident,” Mauldin said. “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.”

Donations will be distributed through Rescue Me in Lauderdale and Colbert counties, 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.

Over 13 years, the School Share drive has generated a total financial impact of $354,851 across the communities Bank Independent serves.

More information about the Helping Hands Foundation is available at hhfal.org.

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