Nearly 200 young people in Okaloosa County deposited more than $42,000 through the annual Teach Children to Save campaign, one of the program’s best showings in over a decade.
- The campaign, which ran from April 1 through June 30, encouraged youth 17 and younger to set a savings goal and make a deposit into their savings account. Eglin Federal Credit Union partnered with Okaloosa Saves and six other financial institutions (Renasant Bank, CCB Bank, Midsouth Bank, Teachers Federal Credit Union, PenFed and United Fidelity) for this year’s effort.
In all, 189 participants made deposits totaling $42,337.39. Since the program began in 2004, 2,686 children have made deposits totaling $463,005.73.
Ten winners were selected through a random drawing to receive a $50 deposit into their savings account from Okaloosa Saves. The winners were recognized prior to the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners budget meeting Tuesday, where they received certificates. They are:
- Cali Branson, Fort Walton Beach
- Kate Kennedy, Niceville
- Titus Kidder, Crestview
- Khai Mays, Crestview
- Alice Morton, Mary Esther
- David Nelson, Valparaiso
- Liam Law, Crestview
- Marin Lee, Shalimar
- Sofia Simeonova, Fort Walton Beach
- Liam Walbert, Crestview
“Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can offer our children, and Okaloosa Saves, Teach Children to Save has been making a meaningful impact in our community for years,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “By helping children understand the value of saving, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions, this program is building a strong foundation for future success.”
Eglin Federal Credit Union President and CEO Cathie Staton said the partnership has helped thousands of children build a foundation for financial success.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students gain an early understanding of the value of saving and responsible money management,” Staton said. “We are proud to continue investing in financial education and inspiring the next generation to make informed financial choices throughout their lives.”
Sherry Harlow, APR, who serves as treasurer on the Okaloosa Saves board, said this year was one of the program’s strongest in more than a decade.
“After serving on the Okaloosa Saves board for 23 years, I’m continually inspired by the impact of Teach Children to Save,” Harlow said. “These results demonstrate the lasting value of teaching financial literacy early and empowering children to build healthy financial habits that can last a lifetime.”
