Las Cruces Shred Event Nets Over 5,000 Pounds of Documents

One of the best ways to protect your sensitive information is by getting your documents shredded and Las Cruces residents took advantage of AARP’s free fall shred event to do just that.

AARP New Mexico partnered with the AARP Las Cruces Chapter to hold the event Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Wal-Mart Super Center on Walton Blvd.

“We serviced 115 cars, and took in 5,520 pounds of documents in just two hours,” said Bud Lulich, Chapter event coordinator for the Fall event.

“This was our best year since we suspended the event during COVID. We did extra marketing to try to get the word out, which helped tremendously. There are plans to continue the shredding days next year as well,” Lulich said.

The document shredding events started several years ago and have expanded from a once-a-year event to spring and fall events. The next event is scheduled for April 2026.

The shred days are part of AARP’s efforts to prevent fraud and scams and highlight AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. People can visit the website at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for tips on preventing fraud or call 877-908-3360 if you become a victim of fraud.

“As the seasons change, people like to do spring or fall cleaning, so conducting free shredding events so people can safely get rid of their documents at the same time seemed to coordinate well,” Lulich said.

Eleven volunteers from the Chapter and from the New Mexico Department of Justice in Las Cruces worked the Las Cruces event. Participants were provided with additional information on Social Security as they drove up to drop off their documents.

AARP New Mexico and the New Mexico Department of Justice are partnering on various issues including fraud prevention and Drug Take Back Day, which allows people to safely dispose of their prescription drugs.

To learn more about AARP’s work in Las Cruces and upcoming chapter activities visit https://www.aarp.org/lascrucesevents

The chapter also has monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church. The meeting includes a presentation by a community partner, as well as networking and refreshments. The general public is invited.