Parma Yearly Food Drive & Shredding Event
PARMA, Ohio -- Inspired by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank reporting that one in six residents is food insecure, Ward 1 Councilman Vito Dipierro decided to schedule a multifaceted event designed to keep Parma residents safe while helping to feed the community.
The Parma Fall Food Drive, which is tied around a community-wide shredding event, takes place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 20) at the Parma Armory, 5301 Hauserman Road in Parma.
"I wanted to have an event in my ward that would be convenient for my constituents to get to and that would also bring a sense of community and fellowship," Dipierro said. "Most of us are fortunate to know when we're having our next meal, but there are many people in our area that are not this fortunate."
While the document shredding is free, attendees are asked to make a non-perishable food or cash donation, which will be given to the Parma Hunger Center. The goal for the event is to raise $2,018 and 2,018 pounds of food.
"Initially, I reached out to Law Director Tim Dobeck to get advice on how he organizes shred events," Dipierro said. "I told him about the idea and he didn't hesitate to offer his support."
Dobeck said his department has been holding shred events in the city for more than a decade.
"We're pleased to participate in Councilman Dipierro's ward event, and, in particular, the shred event," Dobeck said. "We urge all residents of Parma to securely shred your personal and financial papers yearly, just as you would do a spring cleaning. The Ward 1 Shred Event is a perfect time to take care of that task, and it's free to Parma residents."
Dipierro said Parma Armory owner Rob Eurle offered to host the event at his business. The Parma resident said he was not only interested in supporting the food drive, but also helping residents avoid being the victim of fraud.
"Last year, the city of Parma had hundreds of identity theft cases, so I decided a shredding event could make a safer and more secure community," Eurle said.
Scheduled to appear at the Parma Fall Food Drive will be Soza Fitness, providing health assessments, tips and fun activities. Mother Truckin Tasty Food truck will also be on site.
"Residents should come to this event for many reasons, whether it is to safely get rid of documents, get some good food, engage in some healthy fun activities, get to know their neighbors and help give to those who need it most right here in our community," Dipierro said.
"It's our intention to hold the event annually at this time. We've also discussed having more activities next year."
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