Rep. Eric Bell, ATL Airport Chamber Host ‘Stuff the Plane’ Event for 500 Atlanta-Area Students

ATLANTA - State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro), alongside the ATL Airport Chamber (TAAC), under the leadership of president & CEO Carmenlita Scott, welcomed nearly 500 students from schools across the Atlanta region to the Delta Flight Museum on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for its annual "Stuff the Plane" initiative. This event seeks to provide students with school supplies, encouragement, exposure and an unforgettable field-trip experience.

"Stuff the Plane represents what can happen when a community decides that our young people deserve more than just resources-they deserve opportunity, exposure and the chance to dream bigger," said Rep. Bell. "We wanted these students to experience something special, to know that their community sees them and believes in them. Bringing businesses, educators, volunteers and community leaders together to make this day possible is exactly the kind of partnership that strengthens our communities. I am proud to have helped champion this initiative and even prouder to see the joy on these students' faces."

Rep. Bell notes that participating students were identified by their schools as young people who could benefit from additional support and positive community experiences. Among the participating students were 105 children who attend a school serving students experiencing homelessness.

"At the ATL Airport Chamber, we believe our responsibility extends beyond helping businesses grow," said Carmenlita Scott, president & CEO of the ATL Airport Chamber. "A strong business community begins with a strong community, and that means investing in our young people and making sure they can see possibilities beyond their current circumstances. Stuff the Plane is an opportunity for our members, partners and community to come together and demonstrate to these students that they are seen, supported and surrounded by people who believe in their future. I am incredibly proud of everyone who helped make this day possible."

Throughout the day, students arrived by school and charter buses and had the opportunity to explore an airplane, receive backpacks filled with school supplies, enjoy lunch, participate in activities, take photos and enjoy a day created for them.

"Stuff the Plane is about so much more than putting supplies into backpacks," said Natasha Bowles-Hamer, director of Program Management for the ATL Airport Chamber. "It is about giving young people a day where they feel seen, celebrated and excited about what is possible for their future. Watching students arrive cheering because they could see the airplane, seeing their faces as they experienced something new, and knowing how many people came together simply to create joy for them is something I will never forget."

The event brought together school administrators, teachers, chaperones, Chamber leadership, volunteers, photographers, media professionals, transportation providers, elected leadership, community partners and supporters.

"This is what community partnership looks like," added President and CEO Scott. "No one organization does this work alone. When businesses, schools, volunteers and community leaders combine their resources, relationships and talents, we can create experiences that have a meaningful impact on young people and their families."

Rep. Bell notes that Stuff the Plane is part of TAAC's broader commitment to strengthening the communities within the airport region through business leadership, education, workforce development, economic opportunity and meaningful partnerships.

TAAC works to promote, support and inspire economic success throughout the Atlanta airport region. Led by President & CEO Carmenlita Scott, TAAC seeks to connect businesses, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, workforce partners, elected officials and community stakeholders through business development, education, workforce initiatives, community engagement, advocacy and strategic partnerships. With a growing membership footprint extending beyond Georgia, TAAC is committed to creating opportunities for businesses to grow, while strengthening the people and communities that make up the broader airport ecosystem.

Editor's note: Rep. Bell includes a photo from the event.

Representative Eric Bell represents the citizens of District 75, which includes a portion of Clayton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2023 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging and Small Business Development committees.

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