What’s Happening December 2024
Matching Gifts Program Donates Over $500,000
The Matching Gifts Program has ended and thanks to you, we were able to match $270,450. That is a total of $540,900 going back to our communities.
Thanks to your donations, organizations such as food pantries, animal shelters, youth programs and more have been able to raise hundreds of dollars for their cause.
Once again, we could not have done this without YOUR help!
Fraud Seminar Recap
We had over 40 people attend our first Fraud Awareness and Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, November 19th.
The attendees were welcomed by the Corporate Security Manager, Cassie Shewbridge, followed by a slide show and a Q&A presentation by our Corporate Security Investigator, Kelsey Cascio and Corporate Security Officer, Michael Turano. The seminar was filled with important information and the attendees had great questions. Below are Q&A’s that we would like to share:
How do I recognize a skimming device?
Recognizing a skimming device is tricky as their purpose is to deceive you. Here are a few ways to identify a skimming device:
- Inspect the card reader for loose parts or exposed wires
- Use ATM machines that are in well-lit and secure areas
- Look for skimming prevention signs such as anti-theft stickers
- If you notice anything unusual, avoid using the terminal
How do I recognize a phishing email?
To spot a phishing email, you should look for the following red flags:
- The email may contain urgent language to create a sense of panic or the need to act quickly
- Spelling and grammatical errors
- Requests to bypass regular verification steps
- Accessing a website through a link or attachment provided in the email
- The email asks for personal information such as passwords or banking information
Can my identity be stolen without my knowledge?
Yes, sometimes victims do not notice until it is too late that their identity has been stolen. It is important to regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit reports to look for any unauthorized activity.
Keep an eye out for more Fraud Seminars in the future.
Holiday Donation to United Way
Every November we kick off our Fixin’ Food War which ends the week before Thanksgiving. Fixin’ Food War is a friendly competition between employees to see who can collect the most Thanksgiving food items. All donations go to the United Way of Southeastern CT.
This year we donated close to 500 cans to United Way along with $3,000 that will go towards purchasing turkeys.
Charter Oak’s Winter Drive Benefits New London Homeless Hospitality Center
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Winter Drive! This year, all the donations were given to the New London Homeless Hospitality Center.
Your donations will be assisting our community members who are facing homelessness in Southeastern Connecticut.
Keep Holiday Stress Away
The holiday season is a time for family and cheer, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of it all can cause unwanted stress. Take note of these few tips to stay merry and bright this season.
Create a budget.
Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can realistically afford to spend. This can help make shopping fun and feel less out-of-control. Here are a few ways to minimize gifting stress:
- Donate to a charity in someone’s name.
- Give homemade gifts.
- Start a family gift exchange by drawing names.
Plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to say no.
Between co-workers, friends and family it is always a busy time of year. Take the time to plan which events you can attend and don’t feel guilty if you can’t make them all work with your schedule. If you’re hosting, create a menu ahead of time to make shopping and preparation easier.
Maintain healthy habits
The holidays are often known for over-indulging. Enjoy the treats but balance it out with healthy decisions. Try having some healthy snacks before celebrations, make sure to get plenty of sleep, and include regular physical activity in your daily routine.
*information from the mayoclinic.org
