SHERMAN — Since schools will be locker-free this fall, backpacks will be the storage unit for both essentials and personal items like cell phones and keys.

Sherman Central School Superintendent Michael Ginestre recently tweeted his appreciation to The Chautauqua Center and to Dan Courtney, marketing assistant for The Chautauqua Center, for donating loaded backpacks for the district’s students.

“We are so lucky to have partners like this that help so many in our community,” he said.

According to Sherman principal Ann Morrison, The Chautauqua Center contacted Sherman Central School, asking if they were interested in receiving back to school supplies. The center noted that many families especially are in need of supplies this year.

Morrison said that 50 backpacks, filled with notebooks, crayons, pencils and folders, were donated to the school. The Chautauqua Center designated backpacks for students in the elementary, middle and high school, she said.

“We were excited about the quantity and quality of the donations,” Morrison said. “Our families and students will be excited to receive the backpacks and supplies provided.”

According to The Chautauqua Center’s website, over 700 students received backpacks at last year’s Family Fun Day event, which is traditionally held to celebrate National Health Centers Week. This is the area’s largest school supply giveaway.

The Chautauqua Center has provided to loaded backpacks directly to families during its Family Fun Day event, which it held in Dunkirk and Jamestown for six years. The events were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the materials were given directly to the schools for distribution.