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August 23, 2023

United Way HelpsUnited Way Helps Local Nonprofits Dispose of Nearly 6 Tons of Paper Waste 

Make a Wish Foundation was one of the organizations that participated in United Way's shred event.

Fifteen organizations turnedFifteen organizations turned out for United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s (UWWP) free Shred-It event to dispose of 300 boxes of files, which totaled about 6 tons of paper. Veolia North America underwrote the event. 

Hosted by United Way of Westchester, the event took place at the offices of United Way in White Plains on Wednesday, June 30. Local nonprofits, schools, and government agencies were invited to take part in the shredding event. 

“I am delighted that 15 of our partners participated,” said Tom Gabriel, president and CEO of UWWP. “The cost of disposing of old documents is burdensome for many of our partners. By offering this service to the community for free, we ensure that the agencies can increase their capacities while also arranging for a secure and environmentally safe way of discarding the items.” 

Veolia works with organizations across the US and Canada to address their environmental and sustainability challenges in water management, waste management, transport, and energy services. The company supports United Way’s annual shredding event in the spring and its e-waste event in the fall because of the positive benefits they have for the environment.  

“This is such a relief for us that I started crying when I talked to Tom about it,” said Kristine Burton, President and CEO of Make-a-Wish Foundation of Hudson Valley.

Burton and her team members brought 50 boxes to the United Way offices ready for shredding. Their office held years of files they recently digitized, she said. 

“It was important for us to have all documents securely disposed of, “she said. “Knowing we have such a great partner in United Way is a godsend to us and many other nonprofits.” 

Participants of the event included: the American Cancer Society, Bible Apostolic Church, Boys & Girls Club of Mount VernonPort Chester Carver CenterEl Centro Hispano Inc., Greyston, Highview Elementary PTA, Hope’s Door NYIFCA Housing NetworkLagond MusicMake-A-Wish Hudson ValleyPace Women’s Justice CenterSPRYEWestCOP, and White Plains Beautification Foundation.