Chamber to hold education supply drive, soup contest

WASHINGTON — The Washington Chamber of Commerce will pilot a new event Jan. 18 at KC Hall, where the organization will host a soup contest and educational supply drive.

Chamber Executive Director Michelle Redlinger said the organization hoped to give educators a midyear restock for their classrooms in the Washington area, including those at Washington schools, St. James and the Kirkwood regional center. Teachers at the event will be given a bag, and their pick of supplies provided by sponsors.

“Instead of doing the supply drive when we do the educator breakfast, which is at the start of the year, we wanted to do a replenishing supply drive,” she said. “Each classroom is given between $100 and $175 each year to buy the supplies that they need, and oftentimes that doesn’t cover the expenses.”

The supply drive will double as an educator’s night out, with a variety of soups provided for all in attendance. That soup will be provided by anyone entered in a soup-making contest, and that contest will be judged by businesses donating to the supply drive.

“We’re inviting anyone and everyone, if you’ve got a soup that is worthy, we just need a large crock pot or something similar,” Redlinger said. “We thought it would be a fun way to add a little competition. We’re hoping some educators submit some soups, and maybe win some bragging rights.”

The event also has prizes. Redlinger said the contest winner would receive $100 in Chamber Bucks, with $50 and $25 awards for runners-up. Those interested in donating supplies or entering in the contest can RSVP by contacting the Chamber, or clicking the link to do so in the group’s latest newsletter.

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