Bank Independent will kick off its 10th annual Toy Share drive for area children.

From Nov. 13 -Dec. 4, donations of new, unwrapped toys can be left any Bank Independent location. In these pandemic times, the bank also offers two “less-hands-on” ways to lend a helping hand: Toy Share can accept monetary donations through PayPal and through an Amazon shopping “Wish list.” All items will be distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across North Alabama.

“The generosity of our friends and neighbors makes a huge impact in the lives of children in our own communities,” said Macke Mauldin, president and CEO of BancIndependent Inc., the parent company of Bank Independent. “We know this year will look a little different from previous years as we adjust to the restrictions placed upon us all by the current pandemic.

“However, I’m confident that this year we’ll make Christmas morning brighter for more families than ever before.”

In 2019, the Bank’s Toy Share drive provided nearly 3,700 toys and more than $700 in cash donations to partner organizations in time for distribution to local families for Christmas.

“The 2020 Toy Share drive will still have ambitious goals, but we will also focus on the safety and convenience of everyone involved,” said Nikki Randolph, Bank Independent Community Engagement Officer. “We are establishing drive-by collection events over a four-week period so donors can drop off toys. Based on the success of previous drives this year, we’re using PayPal to accept monetary donations on our bibank.com/help page.

“And for a touchless shopping alternative, we’re offering a link to an Amazon Wish List with pre-selected gift ideas for infants on up to teenagers.”

Toy Share donation and shopping links can be found at bibank.com/help. Drive-by Collection Events will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bank Independent offices in Decatur and Moulton on Nov. 13; Muscle Shoals, Athens and Russellville on Nov. 20 ; Florence on Nov. 27; and Madison and Lexington on Dec. 4.

Charitable organizations distributing Toy Share donations include 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, Lawrence and Limestone counties; Lauderdale County Christian Children’s Home; Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department; Safeplace of the Shoals and William Porter Foundation of the Shoals.