LAPLACE — The River Region Chamber of Commerce’s Work-force Development Committee provided “stuffed bags” for more than 200 new teachers in St. James, St. John and St. Charles parishes.

The bags include an assortment of specialty items and gifts donated by Chamber members and area businesses to support the academic endeavors of local school systems.

The bags are filled with lunch travel containers, drawstring bags, coasters, scissors, keychains, rulers, pens, koozies and small snacks.

More than 20 area businesses donated items to support this effort. The committee presented the bags at each of the three parishes’ new teacher orientations in July.

Bill Simoni, Chamber workforce development chair, said member businesses recognize the greatest investment that can be made in the future is the education of local children.

“As a Chamber, we heartily welcome the new teachers who will enlighten and inspire the students in the River Parishes,” Simoni said. “These bags are our way to show our support for the vital and noble task they have undertaken.”