United Bank is kicking off its annual food drive to assist needy families across its Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida footprint.

The annual United We Can food drive begins on Mon., Nov. 2, and will offer employees, customers and local residents the opportunity to donate canned and boxed goods at United Bank branches through Nov. 25.

The collected items will be distributed by the Bay Area Food Bank to help fight hunger throughout the holiday season.

For 2015, United Bank is adding a social media twist to its food drive with the potential to provide up to 5,000 meals for those in need.

Through Nov. 25, United Bank will donate $1 for every new “Like” on its Facebook page. The bank is prepared to match “Likes” with dollars up to a total of $1,000. The Food Bank estimates that for every dollar raised, that money can go toward feeding five people.

To “Like” United Bank’s Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com/unitedbankatmore

“When a family is hungry, it’s difficult to focus on things like managing your finances or preparing for the future,” said Bob Jones, president and CEO of United Bank. “Your donations, whether in person or through our Facebook page, are directly impacting the fight to end hunger and are helping meet the most basic needs in our communities.”

Donations for United We Can 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 the holidays 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.

For more information about United Bank or the United We Can food

drive, contact Greg Walker, VP Marketing & Communications, at

251-605-4477 or email greg.walker@unitedbank.com.