Over 150 items donated to Bank Independent’s first School Share drive were delivered to the Department of Human Resources in Franklin County for distribution to local children.

Bank Independent locations in Russellville and Red Bay accepted donations of school supplies for six weeks to help area families prepare for a new school year.

“DHR is dependent on the community and our partners for assistance as our funding are limited,” said Sally Clark of the Department of Human Resources in Franklin County.

Over 3,500 items ranging from crayons to backpacks were donated across the Bank’s 27 locations. In addition to the Department of Human Resources of Franklin County, Bank Independent’s School Share partner organizations included the Committee on Church Cooperation in Morgan County, Department of Human Resources of Lawrence County, Department of Human Resources of Limestone County, and to “Sidney’s Safe!” Foundation in the Shoals.

“Overall, our School Share drive will make a huge impact in the lives of over 500 families throughout Northwest Alabama,” said Larry Archer, Bank Independent Franklin County Area President.

“Our customers, employees and friends have done so much to help our neighbors, and I’m very proud to part of such a generous community.”

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

Other Share drives include Shelter Share to benefit animal shelters, Food Share to collect non-perishable food items, and Toy Share to collect toys for children during the holiday season.

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.