Nearly 3,300 toys were donated to the third annual Bank Independent and WAFF48 Joy of Sharing toy drive, surpassing 2012 donations by over 850 toys and making Christmas brighter for needy families in six counties of Northwest Alabama.

Of that total, over 80 toys were presented to the Department of Human Resources of Franklin County, just in time for placement under the trees of local children in need.

“Our customers and friends in Franklin County have been so generous this year,” said Larry Archer, Bank Independent Area President in Franklin County.

“We want to thank everyone who helped make the Joy of Sharing a success and made the holidays happier for our local families.”

Participation in the Joy of Sharing program has grown each year since the first drive in 2011.

This year’s efforts revealed inspiring stories of generosity, including a four-year-old girl who donated her 14 birthday presents to the drive for children who wouldn’t otherwise have Christmas toys.

In addition to the 3,200 toys, over $1,000 in cash and gift cards were donated to the drive.

All toys and proceeds were presented to partnering charitable organizations for distribution to local families prior to Christmas Day.

In addition to the DHR of Franklin County, recipient organizations included the Angel Tree Program in partnership with Lexington High School, Committee on Church Cooperation of Morgan County, William Porter Foundation in the Shoals, Safeplace of the Shoals, Lauderdale County Christian Children’s Home, DHR of Limestone County, Cornerstone Church and DHR of Lawrence County and Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department.

Based on the overwhelming success of the Joy of Sharing toy drive, Bank Independent is planning a Shelter Share program in late February to collect supplies for animal shelters in the Bank’s six-county footprint.