The Rotary Club of Surprise hosted a fundraising Shred-A-Thon Oct. 17 in the parking lot of the Arizona Charter Academy, 16011 N Dysart Road.

The Rotary Club thanked the office of AARP Arizona for supplying the shredding trucks and its support of the event.

“Shredding sensitive documents, such as old financial statements and bills, is one of the best precautions people can take against identity theft” said Jay Lickus, past president of the Rotary Club of Surprise. “We are so happy to work with such great organizations like Arizona Charter Academy and AARP Historic Chapter #1 to provide this important service to our community.”

Money raised at the event was used to support both students and seniors in the community. A check for $500 was given to the student members of the Rotary Club of Surprise Interact Club at Arizona Charter Academy.

The Rotary Interact Club is a service club for youth ages 12 to 18 and is part of Rotary International, the world’s first service organization.

Interact clubs are self-supporting and self-governing although they receive direction and support from their parent club.

Members of the Interact club have the opportunity to network with other members both locally and internationally.

Members also have opportunities to develop leadership skills, understand the importance of responsibility and promote international awareness.

They learn the importance of serving others, showing respect and developing personal integrity.

Also, senior members of AARP Historic Chapter No. 1 in Youngtown received a $1,000 check to help with their activities in support of seniors in the community.

AARP Historic Chapter No. 1 in Youngtown is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization empowering people to choose how they live as they age.

It was the very first chapter chartered in the United States and is the oldest continuing community chapter of AARP in the world. The chapter was founded on Sept. 23, 1960, and incorporated on Oct. 20, 1969.

The Rotary Club of Surprise is scheduled to host another Shred-A-Thon in late March.

Call Mr. Lickus, public relations chair, at 623-734-5438 for details.