SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Redwood Credit Union recently partnered with Shred-It to host a “Shred-A-Thon” event at its headquarters here.

Individuals and businesses in the community were encouraged to bring their confidential and personal documents to be shredded on the spot at no charge during the Shred-A-Thon. Free educational seminars taught members and the public how they can avoid becoming victims of identity theft and fraud. The City of Santa Rosa was also on site offering educational literature on a variety of safety and crime prevention topics, and parents were able to obtain Child Safety Kits provided by the Polly Klaas Foundation.

Approximately 170 people attended, and a dozen RCU staff volunteers were on hand to assist them with their documents. Over 300 boxes of sensitive materials totaling nearly seven tons were shredded during the event.

In addition, over 40 people attended the corresponding Identity Theft and Fraud seminars, with many individuals staying for both sessions.

“We are passionately committed to helping our Members and neighbors learn how to protect themselves against identity theft and fraud,” said RCU Senior Vice President Robin McKenzie. “One of the simplest, most effective precautions is to shred sensitive documents, such as old financial statements, cancelled checks, credit card offers, and other outdated documents containing personal information. Through hosting this event, we were able to offer individuals and small businesses in the community the opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive paperwork, in addition to educating them on protecting themselves from these crimes.”