NEWBERRY — Do you have old documents you need to dispose of but don’t have access to a shredder? Well, the Newberry Electric Cooperative has you covered, thanks to the 2017 Shredding Project.

NEC is partnering with Shred360 and Smith Services for a community drive-through Shred-a-Thon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Co-Op at 882 Wilson Road in Newberry.

“If you are like the average person, you find yourself with boxes, or perhaps even drawers full of old mail, such as bank statements, bills and other sensitive documents with personal information that need to be destroyed or recycled,” said Debra Shaw, vice president of member and public relations at the NEC. “You have not done anything with them because you do not want them to get into the wrong hands, since identity theft is a big problem right now.

“We know how valuable your time is, so you will not even have to get out of your vehicle,” she added. “Someone will take your documents and put them in the big on-site shredder and you can keep going. We have made it so convenient, that you can even take care of it during your lunch break.”

Shaw requests that those who come limit their documents to either three boxes or bags per vehicle. Also, you do not have to remove binders, binder clips, paper clips, staples, rubber bands or CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.

“Shredding paper is a safe and secure way of preventing valuable information from getting into the hands of the wrong people. It is also a great way to help the environment,” Shaw said.

The Shred-a-Thon will also be an opportunity for residents to give back.

“You have heard the expression ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Well we would also like to make this project a food drive for the Pomaria Community Food Bank, which serves all of Newberry County. We are asking for your help to make this happen. As you come by to drop off your documents to be shredded, please bring a few non-perishable food items and canned goods to be donated to those in need,” Shaw said. “This project is a win-win for everyone involved. It will enable us to better serve our community by getting rid of sensitive documents, and provide needed food items, as well as help the environment.”

Shaw said any non-perishable food item or canned good will be appreciated, but the most needed items include peanut butter, jelly, cereal, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, rice, dried beans, canned meats, canned corn, green beans, mixed veggies, grits, macaroni & cheese, instant potatoes, sugar, instant milk, canned fruits and juices (in plastic containers).

Everyone who drops off non-perishable food items will receive a flashlight.

Anyone dropping off old documents to shred will not need to worry about taking out the staples or anything of that nature. The shred machine will take care of it.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_DSC_0447.jpgAnyone dropping off old documents to shred will not need to worry about taking out the staples or anything of that nature. The shred machine will take care of it. File photo | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@s24514.p831.sites.pressdns.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.