11th annual Toy Share nets biggest haul yet

More than 4,108 toys and $1,981 in cash was donated in the 11th annual Bank Independent Toy Share drive, held from Nov. 12 to Dec. 3.  All donations were distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across north Alabama – in Franklin County, through the Department of Human Resources.

“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 more than 3,276 toys and more than $1,729 in cash donations to partner organizations.

This year as well as in 2020, 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; purchase items on an Amazon Wish List; or make monetary donations through PayPal.

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.