Over 400 toys were collected in Red Bay and Russellville during the fourth annual Bank Independent and WAFF-48 Toy Share toy drive, surpassing 2013 donations by over 300 toys.  These toys were presented to the Department of Human Resources in Franklin County for distribution to local families prior to Christmas Day.

“Our friends and neighbors in Franklin County have truly humbled us this year with your generosity,” says Larry Archer, Bank Independent Area President.  “Last year 80 toys were collected in our Russellville and Red Bay locations, and this year we received 400.  We just can’t thank our communities enough for what you have contributed.”

Participation in the Toy Share program overall has grown each year since the first drive in 2011.  Over 3400 toys and over $800 in cash and gift cards were collected at Bank Independent’s 28 locations across northwest Alabama.

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

Toy Share was the last of four annual Share drives hosted by Bank Independent in 2014 to give back to the community as part of Bank Independent’s ongoing Helping Hands initiative.

The first Share drive of 2015, Shelter Share, will run throughout the month of February.  Shelter Share offers all Bank Independent locations as convenient donation points for pet food and supplies to be donated to area animal shelters.