Marian Sikes, Manager of the United 1st Federal Credit Union Member Service Center in Folkston, announced that United 1st accepted the first deposit at Bethune Elementary Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Ms. Sikes said, “Parents can open an account for their child at Bethune or at the Member Service Center on Second Street. To open an account for the child, the parent needs to give us a copy of their driver’s license or government ID and complete an account application. The child can then make a deposit at either place.”
United 1st Federal Credit Union is one of the oldest locally owned financial institutions in southeast Georgia. It was started in 1943 by the employees of St Marys Kraft and became Gilman Paper Employees Federal Credit Union in 1979. Many residents of Charlton County became members of the credit union through their association with Gilman. In the late ‘90s, membership was opened to all residents of Charlton County as well as other counties in our corner of Georgia. The Credit Union offers a full range of financial services to its membership, according to Ms. Sikes. She said, “We offer checking and savings accounts as well as loans, mortgages, and VISA credit and debit cards. Our focus is always on helping our members. That is why we are partnering with Bethune; to get people started in the savings habit early.”
Ms. Sikes emphasized that the credit union is encouraging the children to save on a regular basis. “We will accept small deposits from the kids. We just want them to deposit regularly. Whether it is every week or every other week, we want them to get in the savings habit. We are encouraging saving by giving them incentives for regular deposits. Plus they can set goals and start saving for things they want. This is a win-win-win for the child, the school, and United 1st.”
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