Eglin Federal Credit Union partnered with Okaloosa Saves for the annual Teach a Child to Save campaign April 1 – June 30. Youth were encouraged to set a savings goal and make a deposit into a savings account at EFCU. This year there were 114 youth under the age of 18 who participated with deposits totaling $23,335.81. Their names were entered into a random drawing for six children to win a $50 deposit into their EFCU account from Okaloosa Saves. Since the program began in 2004, 2,286 children made deposits totaling $373,439.88.

The six winners are:

Takiyah Grayson, Valparaiso

Korben Marshall, Crestview

Joseph Nehiley, Baker

Leilani Stephens, Destin

Jimmy Stewart III, Freeport

Brayden Waters, Destin

During a certificate presentation at the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners board meeting today, Chairman Trey Goodwin, District 4, said, “Okaloosa Saves has been a part of guiding people in Okaloosa County to become more financially stable for 20 years. We are especially grateful for their efforts in teaching young people about the importance of reducing debt and building wealth by creating a plan to save money year-round. Financial wellness helps promote overall wellness, and we appreciate Okaloosa Saves for continuing this effort for so many years.”

Eglin Federal Credit Union President/CEO Jerry Williams said, “We have partnered with Okaloosa Saves for 19 years to help teach children the importance of saving, and we look forward to this program every summer.”

Sherry Harlow, APR, serves on the Okaloosa Saves Board as the Treasurer and donated $1,000 to help with the Teach a Child to Save campaign. Harlow said, “We look forward to having a positive impact on youth and developing good saving habits for their future.”