Illinois’ newest State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) held a very successful first community outreach event over the weekend through a joint “Shredding & Sharing” event in Downers Grove.
A steady stream of cars flowed through the parking lot of Downers Grove’s Sharing Connections to drop off new or slightly used items for families in crisis while taking advantage of a large document shredding truck that was sponsored by Olsen’s office and underwritten by AT&T.
“We had a great turnout,” said Olsen, who greeted motorists and helped unload their Sharing Connections donations and boxes of documents to be shredded. “This was a wonderful partnership with a very worthwhile community organization, and I hope to make this joint event an annual activity in the community.”
As cars flowed through the three-hour event, close to 5,000 pounds of paper documents were collected and shredded while Sharing Connections received 11 bags of clothes and a variety of household items and supplies. According to Sharing Connections Executive Director Deborah Rickert, items received in addition to clothing included dishes and other kitchen items, cleaning supplies, lamps, rugs, small furniture and mattress sets.
“Everyone has old bank statements, receipts and other sensitive documents that they don’t want to throw in the trash, so I was pleased to partner with AT&T for this valuable community service,” Olsen said. “The fact that Sharing Connections was able to collect so many items that will help local struggling families made the event all the more special.”
