IRON MOUNTAIN – The First National Bank & Trust Co. sponsored a free community document shredding event, Shred Fest, recently, in the parking lot across from the Main Branch on Stephenson Avenue in Iron Mountain.

Country Mile Document Destruction Inc., of Stephenson,filled 69 bins for a total of 10,152 pounds of shredded documents. Approximately 152 individuals and businesses turned out for the event. Donations of cash were accepted to support the Veterans Assistance Fund of Dickinson County. A total of $1,189 was raised.

These fund fills the gap for local veterans that served in peacetime and do not qualify for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. This office was originally formed during World War II to assist the soldiers going to and coming home from war. The office was founded in the early 1940s and is the oldest county veterans office in the state of Michigan.

Today, the office assists and aids veterans of Dickinson County their widows and families.

This program is funded solely by local donations and Super One/Econo Foods receipts. Veterans who need help with past due utilities, rent/mortgage, auto payments or repairs and other unforeseen household repairs are provided interest free loans with monthly payments they can afford. All principal repaid is used to help additional veterans.

For additional information on the non-profit organization or to make a donation, you can contact Mike Miller, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at 774-2820.