In a region where community still means showing up for one another, the annual Food and Family Share Drive once again turned generosity into tangible support for families in need.
The 13th annual effort, led by the Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent, collected $7,090.99 in monetary donations along with 1,238 nonperishable food and caregiving items during its April 6–24 campaign. The total includes a $5,000 contribution to the Tiny Cubs Organization, which supports local families and is affiliated with the University of North Alabama’s Anderson College of Nursing.
“Food and Family Share continues to be a powerful example of what we can achieve when our team members, customers, and community partners come together,” said Macke Mauldin, president and CEO of Bank Independent. “This initiative reflects our shared belief that no neighbor should go without the resources and nourishment they need to thrive. We remain committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve.”
Organizers made participation accessible across North Alabama, accepting monetary donations through PayPal while using Bank Independent locations as collection sites for food and caregiving supplies. A coordinated push on April 24 brought the effort directly into local communities, with collection events held at grocery stores in Killen, Muscle Shoals, Priceville and Huntsville.
That final day surge helped drive the campaign’s totals, including 684 canned goods, 40 jars, 418 boxed items, 19 bagged items, 44 individual servings and 33 boxes of diapers.
Donations will be distributed through a network of regional partners, including The Help Center in Lauderdale County, Meal Barrel of Colbert County, and departments of human resources in Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone counties. Additional support will reach families through the Neighborhood Christian Center in Morgan County and both the Downtown Rescue Mission and Manna House in Madison County.
Founded in response to the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak, the Helping Hands Foundation has grown into a year-round effort focused on community support, volunteerism and targeted giving initiatives.
For organizers and volunteers alike, the annual drive reflects a simple but powerful mission: meeting neighbors where they are and making sure no one is left behind.
