FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Prevail Bank encourages the Wisconsin Rapids community to bring their confidential papers to its Wisconsin Rapids branch (1601 Lincoln Street) to be shredded on Wednesday, April 12, from 9 – 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to participate.

In addition to providing an identity theft safeguard, for every pound of paper shredded, Prevail Bank will donate a dollar, up to $1,000, to the United Way of South Wood & Adams County. Public donations will be accepted prior to and during the event as well. The United Way helps local initiatives and coalitions to improve education, income, health, and safety net services.

“From an identity theft perspective, shredding confidential information is recommended,” said Taylor Doescher, Prevail Bank Branch Manager. “I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity.”

According to the National Council on Identity Theft Protection, 1 million more reports of identity theft and fraud, totaling 5.7 million, were reported in 2021 than 2020. Alarmingly, the number of identity theft scenarios in the U.S. is nearly three times higher than that of other countries; 33 percent of Americans have faced some kind of identity theft attempt. People need to safeguard their personal information. Credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services do exist. More information relating to those services can be acquired through a Prevail Bank professional.

“From an identity theft perspective, shredding confidential information is recommended,” said Taylor Doescher, Prevail Bank Branch Manager. “I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity.”

“Shred Day is a win-win,” said Doescher. “The community benefits from the free shred service we’re providing, and a local nonprofit receives a donation.”

If every Prevail Bank branch shreds at least 1,000 pounds, Prevail Bank will be donating a total of $9,000, split between nine nonprofits.

“The organizations that were chosen by our branches are extremely important to the health and economic vitality of the communities we live in and serve,” said Nathan Quinnell, President of Prevail Bank. “I’m hoping we can write a $1,000 check to each and every one of them.”

The organizations that will benefit (listed in chronological order by event date) include: April 12, 9 – 11 a.m., Wisconsin Rapids, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties; April 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Owen, Owen-Withee Area Historical Society; May 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Marshfield, Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS); May 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wausau, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin; August TBD, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Stevens Point, Beneficiary yet to be determined.

Individuals are limited to three (3) boxes of paper per person, or as capacity allows. A donation of $5 per box thereafter is encouraged. The following items cannot be shredded:  black butterfly clips, hanging file folders, three-ring binders, hard drives, magnetic tapes, and any plastic items.

Prevail Bank’s goal is to pursue what’s possible within the communities it serves. It is passionate about economic development, financial stability and growth for individuals, families, and businesses. Prevail Bank is a community bank that is continuously looking for ways to give back, support those pursuing dreams, and make things better in central Wisconsin.