The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Data Delete of Oregon are collaborating March 20, to provide residents the opportunity to safely destroy personal documents and learn identity theft prevention tips. At the event, the Sheriff’s Office will also have a deputy available to collect outdated or unwanted prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs.

Data Delete of Oregon will be offering on-site document destruction at no cost to the public Saturday March 20. The event will take place at the Bend Sheriff’s Office parking lot, 63333 W Hwy 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

NEW this year: The Sheriff’s Office is asking event participants to consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food to benefit Neighbor Impact (www.neighborimpact.org). A Neighbor Impact representative will be at the event to collect food items and to answer questions about the organization.

The drug disposal program is designed to keep unwanted or unused medications away from abusers, children and animals. The program is also intended to reduce negative environmental impact by using proper disposal practices.

“We want to make Deschutes County citizens aware of the risks of improper document and drug disposal while helping local families at need in the community,” said Sheriff Larry Blanton.

The event is intended for private residential document shredding and drug disposal, not for business or company disposal. At the event, the Sheriff’s Office will also have an information booth to provide citizens with the information on how to avoid becoming an identity theft victim and what to do if you believe your identity has already been stolen.

No advance document sorting is necessary as shredding equipment can destroy paperwork with paper clips or staples attached. File folders and binders may also be shredded.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue its efforts of providing this service on a quarterly basis at Sheriff’s Offices in Sisters, Terrebonne and La Pine.