SANTA ROSA, Calif.–Redwood Credit Union (RCU) hosted a free Shred-a-Thon document shredding event for the Sonoma County community at its Cleveland Avenue branch here. More than 2,000 people attended the annual event– a 16% increase in attendance over 2016’s event—and securely shredded old documents to protect against fraud and identity theft.
The shredding trucks, provided by Shred-IT, destroyed several tons of confidential paperwork at the event, while Conservation Corps North Bay collected 26,000 pounds of e-waste, such as old computers, monitors, printers, and cell phones—more than double what was collected last year. Additionally, 26 people attended the event’s free seminar on preventing cybercrime.
“We’re committed to our community’s well-being, and that includes helping people keep their information secure. Shredding sensitive documents, such as old financial statements and bills, is one of the best ways people can protect themselves against identity theft,” said Matt Martin, vice president of community and government relations. “We’re always excited to provide this free service to the community, and this year’s turnout was the biggest yet! To watch people drive away from the event knowing we’ve helped reduce their stress and worry is very rewarding.”
Shred-a-Thon attendees also donated more than $3,500 and 165 pounds of food for the Redwood Empire Food Bank, which combined will help serve more than 7,100 meals to those in need.