Since the traditional Red Apple Luncheon was not possible this year, Chamber Director Sara Middleton and board member Kyle Marker brought the “Welcome” to the new teachers during their training day on Monday, Aug. 17. They handed out “Swag Bags” filled with donations and coupons from more than 30 local businesses, hoping to entice them to stop in their stores and shop local. A total of 38 businesses and community members, also donated a total of $5,625 that allowed each teacher to receive $50 in Chamber Bucks to help offset classroom expenses. Each building (elementary, RBMS, and EGHS) also received $240 in Chamber Bucks to be used for necessary supplies as well as a $200 pre-paid gift card that was purchased at Fareway in Eagle Grove. “The community has been so generous. It’s been a time of uncertainty and they still came through, big,” said Middleton. “The best thing you can do to support these businesses who support you is shop local,” she told the teachers encouragingly.
