Bank Independent launched its tenth annual School Share drive June 26 to benefit local school children through the “$5 Helps Carry the Cost” campaign.

School supplies and donations will be accepted at all locations of Bank Independent, by PayPal and through scheduled collection events until July 14. Bank Independent works with local partner organizations across their seven-county footprint to ensure donations are distributed to area families in need.

The 2022 School Share drive collected and distributed more than $16,700 in cash donations and an additional 19,167 school supply items. Over the last nine years, School Share has created a financial impact of more than $250,000 in the community.

“Our “$5 Helps Carry the Cost” campaign is a great reminder that a little can go a long way to make a big impact,” said Hallie Mauldin, community engagement leader at Bank Independent.

“Whether you can drop off school supplies or take a moment to donate to the drive, we’ll ensure your donations make a positive difference in the community.” 
 In addition to the campaign, Bank Independent pledged to match total customer Smart Swipe savings up $10,000 until July 14 and donate that amount to School Share partner organizations.

Smart Swipe is a simple savings plan that rounds up change from Bank Independent debit card purchases to the next dollar and deposits the difference into another Bank Independent account of the customer’s choosing. Customers can enroll in Smart Swipe at any location, online at bibank.com or through customer service.

“Our customers are invested in serving the community and particularly rally around causes that affect children,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “Removing obstacles to education by providing basic school supplies makes a big impact,” he added. “The added Smart Swipe pledge allows our customers to invest in themselves while encouraging them to make a positive impact to School Share.”

School Share donations will go to purchase supplies to be distributed through local organizations in each market, including the Committee on Church Cooperation in Decatur, Sidney’s Safe.

Foundation in the Shoals, the Department of Human Resources in Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone counties and Free 2 Teach in Huntsville. 
 School Share is part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands program, which also includes team member volunteer efforts, donations and sponsorships. Other share drives include a toy share to collect toys for children during the holiday season, a shelter share to benefit animal shelters and a food share to collect non-perishable food items.

Helping Hands was inspired by employee requests for organized volunteer opportunities after the April 27, 2011, tornadoes. Since then, Bank Independent employees have donated more than 10,000 hours in paid volunteer time to community efforts.