WEST CHICAGO, Ill. –  To help local residents safely dispose of old documents, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Free Community Shred Day on Aug. 28 at Leman Middle School in West Chicago. 

“This shred event is an easy way to get rid of old, sensitive documents without worry,” Hirschauer said. “Instead of simply throwing out old bills, tax returns or any other documents with confidential or personally identifiable information, residents can bring their old papers to Leman Middle School and dispose of them safely.”

Hirschauer is hosting a Free Community Shred Day in partnership with state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Leman Middle School, located at 238 E. Hazel St. in West Chicago. The event is free and open to the public. Residents can bring up to 3 boxes or 2 paper bags of old documents with all paperclips and staples removed previously. Attendees are encouraged  to take precautions against COVID-19 by wearing a personal protective mask since children or other vulnerable individuals might be present. 

“Identity theft can affect anyone and shredding old documents can help reduce the chances of scammers or criminals getting ahold of personal information,” Hirschauer said. “I encourage all local residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves against identity theft and to make their homes cleaner by getting rid of old documents in a safe manner.”