FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.--Eglin Federal Credit Union recently partnered with Okaloosa Saves and Renasant Bank for the annual Teach Children to Save campaign.
Youths were encouraged to set a savings goal and make a deposit into their savings account. Their names were entered into a random drawing for six children to win a $50 deposit into their savings account from Okaloosa Saves. Winners were invited for recognition prior to the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners budget meeting on Tuesday, July 22 where they received certificates.
This year, 102 youths from Eglin FCU and Renasant Bank under the age of 18 participated in the Okaloosa Saves Teach Children to Save campaign, with deposits totaling $27,058.82. Since the program began in 2004, 2,497 children have made deposits totaling $420,668.34.
The six winners were:
- Thomas Chambliss, Crestview
- John Hague, Navarre
- Hannah Lichlyter, Shalimar
- Tayvon Reynolds, Crestview
- Michael Smith, Crestview
- Teja Zary, Mary Esther
“Okaloosa Saves, Teach Children to Save is a valuable program to teach our children the importance of thoughtful financial management,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “We appreciate the values and strategies this program has been building throughout the years and how it has provided the necessary foundation of financial stability for these children as they grow into adults.”
Eglin Federal Credit Union President and CEO Cathie Staton said, “Each year, we’re excited to bring back our youth savings program because building smart money habits early makes a lifelong difference. For two decades, Eglin FCU has proudly teamed up with Okaloosa Saves to champion financial education in our community, and we’re committed to continuing this important work for many years to come.”