Bank Independent has announced its first annual School Share drive to help Franklin County children and their families prepare for a new school year.

Throughout the month of July, Bank Independent locations in Russellville and Red Bay will accept donations of school supplies to be delivered to the Department of Human Resources in Franklin County for distribution.

Jerry Groce, county director of Franklin County DHR, reiterated the importance of this initiative.

“Many of the families we serve face challenges in providing their children with the basic necessities, including school-related expenses,” Groce said.

“The School Share drive being sponsored by Bank Independent will enable these children to receive enough good quality school supplies to enable them to experience success in the classroom.”

The Share drives are part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands program, which also includes employee volunteer efforts, donations and sponsorships.

Bank Independent’s recent Food Share drive collected over 850 non-perishable food items for Franklin County DHR’s emergency food bank. Other Share drives include Shelter Share to benefit animal shelters and Toy Share to collect toys for the children during the holiday season.

“We really appreciate the willingness of businesses like Bank Independent reaching out to make a positive impact on families and children across Franklin County,” Groce added.

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 2,200 hours in paid volunteer time to community efforts.

Although any school supply donation will be greatly appreciated, DHR has requested crayons, markers, earbuds/headphones, rulers, folders, paper, notebooks, glue, and pencils. New or gently used backpacks will also be accepted.

All 27 locations of Bank Independent will accept School Share donations in July for August delivery. In addition to the DHR of Franklin County, Bank Independent’s School Share partner organizations include the Committee on Church Cooperation in Morgan County, Department of Human Resources of Lawrence County, Department of Human Resources of Limestone County, and Sidney’s Safe! Foundation in the Shoals area.