Columbia, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2009 -- Employees at Debt Shield, an award-winning debt settlement company based in Maryland, are celebrating five years of giving back to the community through their employee-driven charitable fund.

Five years ago, Debt Shield CEO Phil Fewster organized the "Denim Fund" as a fun way for employees to contribute to their favorite charities. Every Friday, Debt Shield employees are asked to donate to the fund in exchange for the privilege of wearing jeans to work that day. When the fund accumulates a significant amount, the fund managers select a charity from a pool of employee suggestions and send the donation to the selected charity.

"Employees appreciate that they get to choose which charities are included in the program," said Debt Shield Talent Development Director Jill Strider. "Employees feel strongly about the charities they select and oftentimes have a personal connection to the receiving organization."

Through the Denim Fund, employees support diverse organizations such as The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Tibet Foundation, United Way and the American Red Cross. Local organizations that benefit from the Denim Fund include Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Howard County, Metro Kids, Grassroots and The Parent Place of Maryland.

"Debt Shield has given back to the community through different charitable programs, such as participating in charity golf tournaments, a coat drive and our ongoing involvement with the Big Brother Big Sister Program," said Debt Shield Payroll and Benefits Administrator Michelle Scott. "The Denim Fund is exciting for us because it's completely employee-driven, from the donations to the charity selection."

For more information about Debt Shield's community involvement, visit http://www.debtshield.com/debtshieldhome/communityinvolvement.html.

About Debt Shield:
Debt Shield, Inc., is an award-winning debt settlement company helping consumers resolve their unsecured debt through mutually agreeable settlements in consideration of the consumers’ legitimate financial hardships. As an alternative to bankruptcy, Debt Shield provides a service for both debtors and creditors. For more information about Debt Shield, call 1-888-397-7546 or visit the website at http://www.debtshield.com.