For the kids in girl and boyland to build a toyland town all around the Christmas tree sometimes requires a little extra help. That’s where community toy drives and donation efforts come in – and Bank Independent is hosting its 11th Toy Share effort.

The bank kicked off its 11th annual Toy Share drive Nov. 12 for area children. Between Nov. 12 and Dec. 3, the bank will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys at any Bank Independent location and offer two “less-hands-on” ways to lend a helping hand, accepting monetary donations through PayPal and through an Amazon shopping “Wishlist.”

All items will be distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across north Alabama.

“As our friends and neighbors emerge from the previous months, their generosity to the community helps lessen the impact of the pandemic on local families,” said Macke Mauldin, president and CEO of BancIndependent Inc., the parent company of Bank Independent.  “Our partner charitable organizations work tirelessly throughout the year to reach families in need.

“The hopes for the 2021 Bank Independent Toy Share drive are to help these vital organizations continue their mission and to make Christmas morning brighter for everyone.”

In 2020 the Bank’s Toy Share drive provided more than 3,276 toys and more than $1,729 in cash donations to partner organizations in time for distribution to local families for Christmas.

Bank Independent donated an additional $11,000 to Toy Share partner organizations to match the $11,000 seven customers won during the Seven Weeks of Winning and Giving sweepstakes.

“Bank Independent is excited to be able to accept donations in our sales offices again this year,” said Nikki Randolph, Bank Independent community engagement officer. “We will continue to focus on the safety and convenience of everyone involved. Based on the success of last year’s drive, we’re once again using Paypal to accept monetary donations on our bibank.com/help page, and for a touchless shopping alternative, we’re offering a link to an Amazon Wishlist with pre-selected gift ideas for infants on up to teenagers.”

Toy Share donation and shopping links can be found at bibank.com/help.

In Franklin County toys are distributed through the Department of Human Resources.

Toy Share is the last of four annual Share drives hosted by Bank Independent each year to give back to the community as part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands initiative.