If you have ever worried about identity theft or wondered what to do with old tax returns, bank statements, or closing documents, you are not alone. I have worked with Phoenix-area homeowners whose loan approvals were delayed because their personal information was compromised. That kind of stress is preventable, and that is one reason the Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon continues year after year.
The Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon is more than a free shredding event. It is a long-standing community effort focused on protecting local homeowners and supporting students in the Kyrene School District. As a licensed Arizona real estate agent serving the Phoenix metro area, I see firsthand how financial safety and stable housing are connected.
I am Shirley Coomer with Keller Williams Realty, and since 2014 I have helped organize this event as part of my broader commitment to serving homeowners in Ahwatukee and nearby East Valley communities.
The Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon Began With a Real Homeowner Problem
Early in my career, I began noticing a pattern. Clients would come to me ready to buy a home in Ahwatukee or sell a property in Phoenix, only to discover errors or fraudulent accounts on their credit report. In some cases, someone had accessed personal documents that should have been destroyed years earlier.
Identity theft can delay loan approvals. It can increase interest rates. It can even derail a purchase or refinance.
That reality led to a simple question. How can we make it easier for our community to safely destroy sensitive documents?
The answer became the Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon.
For over 11 years, with one pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have gathered at Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School twice each year. The goal is straightforward:
- Provide professional-grade shredding
- Keep sensitive documents out of the wrong hands
- Support local families through food donations
A Professional Home Team Funding the Event
This event is fully community-funded.
I partner with local professionals who serve homeowners every day, including lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents, title representatives, and home warranty providers. Many of these sponsors have children currently attending Kyrene schools or who have already graduated from the district.
As a Phoenix real estate agent since 2005, I have built relationships with professionals who believe in long-term community investment, not just transactions. These are the same types of professionals buyers and sellers often rely on during a home purchase or sale.
Together, we cover the cost of the professional shredding trucks so the event remains free to the public.
What 11 Years of the Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon Have Accomplished
Over time, small consistent efforts create measurable impact.
Here is what that looks like:
- 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of paper per event securely destroyed
- 30 to 50 boxes of healthy food and snacks per event collected for local families
- 20 or more events hosted over more than a decade
That is thousands of pounds of sensitive documents kept out of landfills and away from identity thieves.
It is also hundreds of food items distributed through the Kyrene Family Resource Center, which supports families with students enrolled in the Kyrene School District.
As someone who helps families buy and sell homes in Ahwatukee and across the Phoenix metro area, I believe housing stability and financial security go hand in hand. Protecting personal information is part of that.
Our Next Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon: March 21, 2026
If you search online, you may see outdated dates from past years. Please use the information below for the upcoming event:
- When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, or until trucks are full
- Where: Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School
- Cost: Free, with a suggested food donation
- Limit: Maximum of 20 banker boxes per vehicle
Because the trucks do fill, arriving early is helpful.
This event is open to the community. You do not need to be a real estate client to participate.
What to Bring and How the Shredding Process Works
To keep traffic moving efficiently and ensure security, please follow these guidelines:
- Maximum of 20 boxes per vehicle
- Suggested donation: One healthy food item or snack for each box or bag of paper
- Staples and paperclips: These can stay on your documents
- 3-ring binders: Please remove and leave at home
We typically have:
- One onsite shred truck for immediate destruction
- One secure box truck with locked bins that transports documents to a certified shredding facility
Volunteers help with unloading, shredding coordination, and collecting food donations.
If you are cleaning out a home, preparing to downsize, or helping a family member sort through paperwork, this event can simplify the process.
Why Identity Protection Matters in Real Estate
You might wonder why a real estate agent organizes a shredding event.
The answer is simple. Credit and identity protection directly affect homeownership.
In my work with buyers across Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, and Ahwatukee, I have seen how small credit issues can create larger problems. Something as simple as an old fraudulent account can delay closing timelines.
Shredding old financial statements, medical bills, and loan documents reduces the risk of personal data exposure.
Protecting your identity protects your ability to buy, refinance, or sell a home smoothly.
Supporting the Kyrene School District Through Food Donations
The second purpose of the Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon is to support local families.
The Kyrene Family Resource Center helps families with students enrolled in the Kyrene School District by providing access to essential items and food support.
Healthy snacks and non-perishable food items collected at the event go directly toward that effort.
This is a suggested donation, not a requirement. However, we encourage participants to contribute when possible. Even one box of granola bars or canned goods can make a difference.
Community safety and community support work best together.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon
Do I have to be a real estate client to attend?
No. The Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon is open to the public.
Is there a limit to how much I can bring?
Yes. There is a maximum of 20 banker boxes per vehicle to ensure we can serve as many participants as possible.
Are donations required?
No, donations are suggested but not mandatory. We do encourage one healthy food item per box or bag of paper when possible.
What kinds of documents should I shred?
Old tax returns, bank statements, medical bills, loan documents, and anything containing your Social Security number or account numbers are good candidates for shredding.
What if I am cleaning out a home before selling?
This event is especially helpful if you are preparing a property for sale or assisting a family member with a transition. Secure document disposal is an important step in that process.
A Simple Way to Protect Your Identity and Serve Your Community
The Ahwatukee Shred-A-Thon exists because homeowners deserve practical solutions, not just advice. It is one small but meaningful way I serve the Phoenix metro area beyond buying and selling homes.
I am Shirley Coomer, a licensed Arizona real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, serving Ahwatukee and surrounding Phoenix-area communities since 2005. If you are planning to buy, sell, downsize, or prepare a home for transition, I help clients think through timelines, clean-out strategies, and next steps in a steady and organized way.
If you are unsure about your next real estate move or want guidance from a Phoenix real estate agent who understands both the transaction and the transition, you can call or text me at 602-770-0643 or email me at scoomer@kw.com.
