For animal-lovers looking for a way to support homeless pets in need, one annual opportunity is right around the corner.

Bank Independent will kick off its seventh annual Shelter Share drive to benefit local animal shelters Feb. 3. All locations of Bank Independent will serve as donation points for pet food and supplies designated for local animal shelters through Feb. 21.

According to Bank Independent, the 2019 Shelter Share collected and distributed more than 3,825 items and more than $1,114 in donations to shelters in northwest Alabama this past year.

Donations were used to supplement resources available to local shelters.

“Bank Independent is proud to support Shelter Share as part of our Helping Hands initiative,” said bank CEO Rick Wardlaw. “Shelter Share was created by our team members in heartfelt response to the need for community assistance at local shelters.

“Many of our team members are involved in fostering and rescuing shelter animals – my family included,” Wardlaw added. “We welcomed a local shelter rescue dog into our home that has since become a loved member of our family. Shelter Share is very near and dear to our hearts.”

Throughout the month of February, every Bank Independent sales office will accept donations of pet food, kitty litter, paper towels, nursing bottles, cleaning supplies, first aid items, used blankets, bedding and towels.

The donated supplies will be delivered by bank employees to the Athens Limestone County Animal Shelter, Colbert County Animal Shelter, Decatur Animal Services, Huntsville Animal Services, Morgan County Animal Shelter and Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter in early March.