This October, over 30,000 cooperatives across the United States are coming together to celebrate National Co-op Month. It’s a time to recognize the unique qualities that distinguish cooperatives from other businesses and, more importantly, to honor the strength and impact of co-op membership.

Fayette Electric Cooperative and Colorado Valley Communications are both rooted in our local communities and are dedicated to serving our members and fostering community growth, even though we operate in different industries. Our commitment is driven by initiatives led by our employees and guided by local boards composed of neighbors who live right here. Being locally based means, we deeply understand the specific needs of our community and are committed to meeting them.

Cooperatives operate across various industries and sectors, but what sets them apart are the seven cooperative principles: voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, economic participation by members, autonomy and independence, education and training, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community.

The last two principles—Cooperation Among Cooperatives and Concern for Community—truly embody what National Co-op Month represents for Fayette Electric Cooperative and Colorado Valley Communications. For the seventh consecutive year, Fayette EC and Colorado Valley Communications are teaming up to host their annual Community Shred Day on Friday, October 4, as a special thank you to their cooperative members.

CenTex Industries, a document shredding company, will provide on-site shredding services from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Fayette Electric Cooperative’s former office located at 357 North Washington St. in La Grange, and from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Colorado Valley Communications’ office located at 4915 South US Hwy 77 in La Grange.

Members can have up to three boxes of confidential documents shredded for free. For any additional boxes, a donation of $10 per box is requested, with all proceeds benefiting Senior Connections and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Boxes may be no larger than 26.7” long x 15.7” wide (equivalent to a 21-gallon tote).  Please note that only paper documents will be accepted for shredding. Items such as cardboard, plastic, binders, binder clips, hardbound books, hard drives, cell phones, laptops, iPads, metal items, CDs, and floppy disks will not be accepted. While a few paper clips are acceptable, metal spirals from notebooks must be removed, and no boxes or containers can be left behind. All participating members must remain with their items and stay in their vehicles, as drop-offs are not permitted.

For more information, please visit cvctx.com or fayette.coop, or call Fayette Electric Cooperative at 979-968-3181 or Colorado Valley Communications at 979-242-5911.