Ohio shred events prevent identity theft – help feed the hungry

Stark County Hunger Task Force

Free shredding events earlier this month at Stark Federal Credit Union offices safely destroyed documents for hundreds of residents – while food and monetary donations contributed more than 19,000 pounds of food for the hungry.

Helping to prevent identity theft, the events provide a safe, convenient and environmentally-friendly method for destroying confidential documents. A total of 21,700 pounds of paper was recycled at the two events, the equivalent of 184 trees.

At the same time, Stark County Hunger Task Force accepted nonperishable food and monetary donations.

The credit union hosted the shred days Aug. 12 at the Alliance Branch, 310 Johnson Ave., and Aug. 19 at the Dressler Road Office, 4100 Dressler Rd. NW.

“We cherish the partnership with Stark Federal Credit Union and the commitment of the organization and their staff to help feed the hungry in our Stark community,” said Maureen Tate, SCHTF executive director. “We greatly appreciate their dedication to serve our neighbors who are struggling.”

During the past six years, Stark Federal Community Shred Days donations enabled SCHTF to provide nearly 94,000 pounds of free groceries through its network of more than 30 pantries. Since 2014, the shred days resulted in recycling of 89,600 pounds of paper.

Stark Federal Credit Union opened in 1961 and today serves the financial needs of over 14,000 members. They are open to residents of Stark County and Carroll County. Stark Federal offers the same services as commercial banks such as savings accounts, checking, loans, debit cards, online banking, commercial loans and online bill pay.

Statistics show the county’s overall food insecurity rate stands at nearly 15 percent, amounting to nearly 56,000 Stark County neighbors facing empty cupboards and iceboxes, and alarmingly, more than one in four children go hungry.

Founded in 1981, Stark County Hunger Task Force at 408 9th St. SW, Canton, leads the battle against hunger in Stark County. Operating almost entirely on donations, SCHTF provides free groceries to an average of more than 29,000 individuals every month through more than 30 food pantries, “Backpacks for Kids” programs and an emergency pantry. For more information, call 330.455.6667 or visit SCHTF on line at www.starkhunger.org.