ATMORE, Alabama — On Nov. 7, United Bank kicked off a two-week food drive to assist needy families across its Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida footprint.

The bank's first ever "United We CAN" food drive will offer employees, customers and local residents the opportunity to donate canned and boxed goods at United Bank branches through Friday, Nov. 18. The collected items will be distributed by the Bay Area Food Bank to help fight hunger as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

"It's impossible to even begin to consider how best to manage your finances or plan for the future when you're concerned about how you will feed your family today," said Bob Jones, president and CEO of United Bank and Bay Area Food Bank board member. "As a community bank, United understands that when we help meet even the most basic needs, we help ensure a better tomorrow for our customers and communities."

Donations will be accepted at specially designated areas in each bank branch. As part of the food drive, the bank is asking donors to focus on items that can be used for Thanksgiving such as boxed stuffing, canned corn, green beans and rice; however, all items will be appreciated.

Through the Bay Area Food bank's distribution network and partnerships in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, donors can be certain items they give will help families in their local areas. In United's Atmore market, donations will specifically benefit Atmore Area Christian Care Ministries, a Bay Area Food Bank partner.

United Bank is a $450,000,000 financial institution that has enjoyed 107 years of service. United Bank has offices in Atmore, Flomaton, Monroeville, Frisco City, Bay Minette, Foley, Lillian, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Silverhill, Spanish Fort and Summerdale in Alabama. United Bank serves Santa Rosa County, Florida in Jay, Milton and Pace. For more information about United Bank please visit our website at http://www.unitedbank.com/">www.unitedbank.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

The Bay Area Food Bank, working through member organizations and special programs, will provide nutritious food to meet the challenge of feeding people who are hungry as a result of personal crisis or disaster. The Bay Area Food Bank will educate the public regarding domestic hunger, proper nutrition and related issues. In carrying out its mission,