The ninth annual Bank Independent School Share drive, conducted from June 27 through July 15, collected more than $16,773.88 in cash and an additional 19,167 school supply items for local partner organizations through the $5 Helps Carry the Cost campaign.

Donations were accepted at all locations of Bank Independent, by PayPal and through four scheduled Stuff the Bus collection events.

“All School Share contributions go directly to children in need within your local community,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO at Bank Independent. “Thank you to the many customers who dropped off supplies and donations throughout this year’s drive.

“We couldn’t make the same financial impact without the help and support of our amazing community,” Wardlaw added.

Over the past nine years, the Bank Independent School Share drive has generated a financial impact of more than $227,472.38 across the seven-county footprint. 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. 

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.