Special to the Enquirer  

Bank Independent kicked off its ninth annual Shelter Share drive to benefit local animal shelters May 2. All locations of Bank Independent will serve as donation points for pet food and supplies designated for local animal shelters. Bank Independent will close the drive on May 20 with Adoption Day sponsoring the adoption application fee for animals adopted from partner shelters. 

The 2021 Shelter Share drive collected and distributed more than 1,207 items and more than $10,900 in donations to shelters in North Alabama last year. Donations were used to supplement resources available to local shelters. Additionally, the Bank sponsored 74 pet adoptions across partner animal shelters in these communities.  

“Bank Independent is proud to support Shelter Share as part of our Helping Hands initiative,” Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent said. “Local shelters rely heavily on the support of the community to meet the daily needs of animals in their care. Bank Independent is pleased to be able to provide this much needed assistance with the generous support of our team members and the community.”  

Until May 20, every Bank Independent sales office will accept donations of pet food, kitty litter, paper towels, nursing bottles, cleaning supplies, first aid items, used blankets bedding and towels. 

The supplies donated locally will be delivered by bank employees to the Morgan County Animal Shelter in early June.