Warren County Residents Invited to Free Community Shred Day on June 5

If you’ve been meaning to clean out those old filing cabinets or finally clear out that box of bank statements in the closet, here’s your chance to do it safely and securely—for free.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Rotary Club of Warren County and Front Royal Federal Credit Union are teaming up to host a Community Shred Day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Front Royal Fire Department, located at 221 North Commerce Avenue in Front Royal.

This free event offers local residents an opportunity to shred personal documents such as bank statements, medical records, canceled checks, old pay stubs, and other paperwork that may contain sensitive or private information. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from identity theft or simply want to get a head start on organizing your office or home, Community Shred Day is the perfect time to do it.

Participants are encouraged to bring up to four boxes of paper documents per household. While staples do not need to be removed, attendees are asked to remove rubber bands and paper clips ahead of time. Only paper documents will be accepted—no binders, cardboard, or non-paper materials will be processed.

“Properly disposing of old paperwork isn’t just about getting rid of clutter,” said Michelle Smeltzer, Rotary Club member. “It’s a really simple but effective way to reduce your risk of identity theft. We’re proud to offer this service to the community in a way that’s convenient, secure, and completely free. Community events like this one are what the Rotary Club is all about. It’s a chance for us to give back while helping our neighbors take a simple step toward protecting their personal information.”

All donations collected during the event will go directly to the Front Royal Fire Department, supporting the men and women who serve and protect the local community every day. Donations are encouraged but not required to participate.

The event will take place on-site in the fire department’s parking area. A secure shredding service will handle professional document shredding. Volunteers from the Rotary Club and the credit union will be on hand to assist with unloading boxes and guiding cars through the drop-off process.

Identity theft continues to be a growing concern across the United States. According to the Federal Trade Commission, millions of Americans report identity theft each year, often stemming from simple mistakes like throwing out old financial documents without properly shredding them. Events like Community Shred Day offer a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of documents while giving peace of mind to individuals and families.

So, if you’ve got papers piling up and no good way to get rid of them, mark your calendar for Thursday, June 5. Drive over to the Front Royal Fire Department between 10 a.m. and noon, take advantage of this secure service, and help support the fire department in the process.

It’s a win-win for your peace of mind and your community.