Flashbags co-founder Laura Cheney shows off some of the companies products.

If the local message-tote company Flashbags' slogan is "Carry a Conversation," this month's conversation is a generous one.

Through their new outreach program, the Education Conversation, Flashbags LLC will donate 10 percent of sales from its Web site to a Chittenden County school of the shopper's choice through Dec. 13.

Education Conversation is a countywide effort to broaden awareness and support of kids, education, community and local schools. Use of the money is at the discretion of each school with the hopes of targeting school lunch programs, class trips, books and supplies, scholarships, extracurricular activities, family events, or others.

"Vermonters have been such an essential part of the growth of Flashbags. We want to give back the enthusiasm and pride that has been given to us," said Laura Cheney, a co-founder. "The Education Conversation is one way for us to create a collaborative environment connecting the community, business and youth. It leverages all of our strengths and funnels them into more powerful outcomes for all."

The founders of Flashbags, Cheney and Ali Marchildon, are former school teachers who, through this program, have continued their commitment to children and education. They have also recruited three high school students to work on their team in the Winooski office.

"We have been so proud to work with students at various schools through internship programs," Cheney said. "We provide a creative and professional work environment, broadening the career possibilities for students, and benefit from the amazing energy and work ethic of local kids."

For more information or to purchase a bag, visit: www.flashbagsonline.com

-- Compiled by Myra Mathis-Flynn, for the Free Press