EZShield rounded out 2015 with three community outreach events — the success of which is rooted firmly in our strong company culture and dedicated team of employees.

In November, EZShield held a Thanksgiving food drive that would benefit the Eastside Family Emergency Shelter in nearby Rosedale, MD. This shelter supports 215 women, children and families nightly by providing emergency housing and basic necessities to those in times of crisis, as well as offering long-term solutions and resources.

To aid the shelter’s annual hot Thanksgiving meal, EZShield employees donated nearly 100 lbs. of non-perishables items and $300 in Giant grocery store gift cards to go to the cost of perishable goods. In addition, dozens of towels, washcloths and warm blankets were donated.

Just a few short weeks later, EZShield employees took on the momentous endeavor of playing Santa though our annual Adopt-a-Family holiday program.

United Way of Central Maryland put EZShield in touch with two local schools that needed some help to make the holidays special for some of their students and families. They sent us holiday wish lists of two families who had recently hit hard times, which included toys, clothes and basic necessities. Our team collected the items in short order—filling the EZShield cafeteria to the brim.

Our Adopt-a-Family event came on the commencement of our Safe Online Sharing outreach program with the Boys and Girls Club of Harford County. The Safe Online Sharing program was designed to educate 12 to 17-year-olds on identity theft and the dangers of over sharing on social media. A key element to the presentation was the importance of strong passwords. Presenters wrapped up each of their talks with a password security game — which was a major hit among the kids.

In total, this program enabled us to interact with more than 100 kids in the neighboring Maryland communities of Bel Air, Aberdeen, Edgewood and Havre De Grace. Participating children left with new knowledge and security tips to take home to their family and friends.

The Safe Online Sharing program is a primary example of the emphasis EZShield places on empowering consumers to protect themselves against identity crimes. It is also the impetus behind our educational blog FightingIdentityCrimes.com and the news and tips we share through monthly customer communications.

We encourage you to follow FightingIdentityCrimes.com to stay up to date on the latest fraud, breach and scam news impacting consumers and small businesses.