By Gina Martinez
Maspeth Federal Savings Bank held its semi-annual recycling fair for Earth Day Saturday.
The bank, located at 58-18 69th St., offered paper shredding, VIN-etching, electronic recycling and animal adoption for the community. Hundreds of people showed up on the rainy Saturday afternoon to take advantage of the free services. Also in attendance were state Assemblyman Brian Barnwell (D-Maspeth) and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Maspeth).
Jill Nicolois, marketing director at Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, said it holds recycling events twice a year, in April and October. She said the events are great opportunities for community members to get rid of things such as older documents and electronics in an environmentally friendly way.
“Today is Earth Day,” she said. “Obviously we’re a community bank, and we’re supporting the community. Since we’re a bank, we’re all about financial protection, so the shredding helps protect against identity theft, because if you have your files and important documents, you can shred them on site. We’ve had over 150 cars come through since we started. We think it’s a good event, there’s been a great turnout with rain and all.”
Barnwell was hands-on, standing in line with constituents waiting to shred documents. He even helped direct cars in the parking lot. He said he co-sponsored the event to promote ways to avoid identity theft, a crime that is growing in his district.
“Shredding and recycling are very important,” Barnwell said. “Identity theft is on the rise,. It happens too much. Seemingly every day someone is getting screwed by identity theft and something as simple as offering free shredding for the community can seriously help them in that regard. We’ve been doing this multiple times and we’re going to continue to do it. Look at the long line on a rainy day and they even need a second shredding truck, its already full. It’s been packed the entire day.”
The biggest hit at the event was ASPCA’s animal adoption truck. According to Nicolois, four puppies were adopted.
Crowley, who sponsors the event every year with the bank, was impressed with the event and turnout, emphasized the importance of recycling.
“Hopefully, events like this remind folks it’s important to be respectful and mindful of our footprint and to encourage people to recycle,” Crowley said. “Instead of just throwing paper away with the rest of your trash, especially important documents, you can bring them here.”
(adding Crowley as co-sponsor of event)
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
