Food and cash donations collected by Bank Independent will benefit families in need across Northwest Alabama.

Over 10,000 items of non-perishable food were donated by Bank Independent’s customers, employees, neighbors and friends to the Bank’s third annual Food Share drive. These items, plus almost $500 in cash donations, have been delivered to local charitable organizations for distribution to area families in need.

In Franklin County, donations were delivered to the Department of Human Resources.

The 2016 Food Share drive culminated May 13 in all-day food collection efforts set up by Bank Independent at grocery stores in six counties, including the Foodland in Russellville. Bank Independent Helping Hands employee volunteers donated 176 hours to the effort.

Food Share donations were distributed to local organizations that maintain food banks to fill emergency food needs, benefiting Lawrence, Morgan and Limestone counties and the Shoals.

The Share drives are part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands program, which also includes employee volunteer efforts, donations and sponsorships. Other Share drives include Shelter Share to benefit animal shelters, Toy Share to collect toys for the holidays and the upcoming School Share drive for school supplies.

Helping Hands was inspired by employee requests for organized volunteer opportunities after the April 27, 2011, tornadoes. Since then, Bank Independent employees have donated over 3800 hours in paid volunteer time to community efforts.