MADISON – Over 4,108 toys and $1,981.29 in cash were donated in the eleventh annual Bank Independent Toy Share drive between November 12 and December 3.  All donations were distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across North Alabama in time for the holidays.  Bank Independent donated an additional $11,000 to Toy Share partner organizations to match the $11,000 seven customers won during the Seven Weeks of Winning and Giving sweepstakes.

“I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of BancIndependent. “The 2021 Toy Share drive was our best year yet thanks to the outpouring of generosity from our friends and neighbors.  Your support will help bring joy to so many local children in need this Christmas.  Your kindness sets a great example for how we can make a positive difference as a community.”

In 2020, the Bank’s Toy Share drive provided over 3,276 toys and more than $1,729 in cash donations to partner organizations in time for distribution to local families for Christmas. Bank Independent donated an additional $11,000 to Toy Share partner organizations to match the $11,000 seven customers won during the Seven Weeks of Winning and Giving sweepstakes.

This year, the Bank accepted donations on site and continued to offer the low and no-contact donation options implemented in response to COVID-19 precautions.  Patrons were able to drop off donations at all 29 Bank Independent locations and at participating Dollar Generals across North Alabama.  Additionally, the Bank established an Amazon Wish List for online shoppers and accepted monetary donations through PayPal.

“Our community partners are on the ground every day and best positioned to help people in need,” continued Mauldin. “The decision to match ‘Seven Weeks of Winning’ funds with ‘Seven Weeks of Giving’ gave us the opportunity to make an even bigger impact. Thanks to our partners, we know the additional $11,000 will go to support families right here in the local community.”

The Seven Weeks of Winning debit card sweepstakes kicked off on November 1 and will run through December 19^th.  Customers are encouraged their debit card to have their name automatically entered into a weekly drawing for $1,000 and the grand prize of $5,000.  Over the seven weeks, the Bank donates a matching $11,000 to the winners’ local Toy Share partners.

The Bank partners with charitable organizations across their 7-county footprint to distribute Toy Share donations.  The list of charitable partners includes the Angel Tree Program in partnership with Lexington High School, Christmas Charities Year Round of Madison County, Committee on Church Cooperation in Morgan County, Cornerstone Church in Lawrence County, Department of Human Resources in Franklin and Limestone Counties, Lauderdale County Christian Children’s Home, Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department, Shoals CASA, Safeplace of the Shoals and William Porter Foundation of the Shoals.

Toy Share is the last of four annual Share drives hosted by Bank Independent to give back to the community as part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands initiative.