Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) provided volunteer assistance for East Baton Rouge Parish elementary schools on the first day of school. VIPS’ First Day Helpers were dispatched to local schools to assist with bus duty, carpool duty, office help, calming anxious parents and students, providing treats and coffee for teachers, and ensuring teachers feel supported and parents and students feel welcomed. This school year over 100 experienced volunteers signed on to serve at 21 schools. Mayor Sharon Weston Broome and Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr., along with 15 other public servants and community organizations, also registered to serve as First Day Helpers.