Bank Independent has kicked off its eighth annual Shelter Share drive to benefit local animal shelters. This year’s collection began May 3.

All locations of Bank Independent – including those on Highway 43 and Jackson Avenue in Russellville and on Fourth Avenue in Red Bay – along with strategic Shelter Share partner Pet Depot, located in the Shoals, will serve as donation points for pet food and supplies designated for local animal shelters through May 21.

The 2020 Shelter Share collected and distributed more than 4,178 items and more than $1,427 in donations to shelters in northwest Alabama. Donations were used to supplement resources available to local shelters.

“Bank Independent is proud to support Shelter Share as part of our Helping Hands initiative,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “Last year Shelter Share ran during the month of February and came to its conclusion right before we moved into the pandemic.  Community donations came at a critical time for our local shelters still providing an essential service.  How appropriate for Shelter Share to be our focus as our community begins to cautiously return to our pre-pandemic plans.”

Throughout the month of May, every Bank Independent sales office, along with Pet Depot locations, will accept donations of pet food, kitty litter, paper towels, nursing bottles, cleaning supplies, first aid items, used blankets, bedding and towels.

The donated supplies will be delivered by bank employees to the Athens Limestone County Animal Shelter, Colbert County Animal Shelter, Decatur Animal Services, Huntsville Animal Services, Lawrence County Animal Shelter, Morgan County Animal Shelter and Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter.