Did you know that October is National Cooperative Month? It’s true! And across the U.S., co-ops are celebrating the benefits and values that cooperatives bring to their members and communities.

Fayette Electric Cooperative and Colorado Valley Communications, also a cooperative, may be in different industries, but we both share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities thrive. We do this through initiatives led by our employees and local board that’s comprised of neighbors who live right here in our community. Because we’re local, we understand our community’s unique needs and strive to help meet them.

While co-ops operate in many industries and sectors of the economy, seven cooperative principles set us apart from other businesses: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; member’s economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community. 

These last two principles help define what National Cooperative Month means to Fayette Electric Cooperative and Colorado Valley Communications. Working together for the sixth year in a row, Fayette EC and Colorado Valley Communications will host their Annual Shred Day on Friday, October 13 as a special thank you to their cooperative members.

CenTex Industries, a document shredding firm, will provide an on-site shredding truck to shred documents from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Fayette Electric Cooperative’s office located at 357 North Washington St. in La Grange, and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Colorado Valley Communication’s office located at 4915 South US Hwy 77 in La Grange.  

Free shredding of confidential documents will be provided, up to three boxes per member. A donation of $10 per box is requested for members bringing more than three boxes. These donations will benefit the AMEN Food Pantry and Mini Horse Helpers of La Grange.

Boxes may be no larger than 26.7” long x 15.7” wide (equivalent to a 21-gallon tote).  No boxes or containers of any kind may be left behind. All members participating in shredding services are required to remain with their items and in their vehicles. No dropping off of items is allowed. Electronics, ink cartridges and cardboard will not be accepted.   

If you have questions, click here or call Colorado Valley Communications at 979-242-5911 or Fayette Electric Cooperative at 979-968-3181.