SHEFFIELD — Bank Independent crunched the final numbers from its 10th annual School Share drive and passed with flying colors.
Bank Independent contributed nearly $4,000 in cash and more than 22,000 school supply items to local partner organizations for distribution. The drive was June 26 to July 14.
“We are grateful to all those who donated supplies and funds during this year’s drive,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “Without the support of our incredible communities, we would not be able to make the same positive impact on the lives of teachers and students in North Alabama.”
Customers donated through the ongoing “$5 Helps Carry the Cost” campaign, online through PayPal, and during four scheduled “Stuff the Bus” collection events. Donations were also accepted at all Bank Independent locations.
Low income families struggle financially with purchasing their kids’ school supplies and teachers often have to fund supplies for their own classrooms.
Over the last nine years, the Bank Independent School Share drive has generated a financial impact of more than $277,000 across the seven-county footprint to help ease those financial burdens.
All school supplies and cash donations are distributed through local organizations in each market, including Committee on Church Cooperation in Decatur, Sidney’s Safe! Foundation, the Department of Human Resources in Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone counties, and Free 2 Teach in Madison.
“The support we receive from our customers and team members gets better each year,” said Bank Independent Community Engagement Leader Hallie Mauldin. “This is such an important drive because it allows our teachers and students to get the school year off to a great start.”
School Share is part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands program, which also includes employee volunteer efforts, donations, and sponsorships.
Other Share drives include Toy Share to collect toys for children during the holiday season, Shelter Share to benefit animal shelters, and Food Share to collect non-perishable food items.
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