For the 11th consecutive year, the Bayville Free Library, Locust Valley Central School District and members of the community joined together to help local students begin the school year prepared for success.
Through the 2026 GiveBack Backpack Program, community members donated 95 backpacks filled with supplies. All the Backpacks and school supplies were collected at the Bayville Free Library throughout the summer
Students and their families picked up the backpacks at the library, where each student also received a free reusable water bottle.
Students brought Falcon-themed thank you drawings for the program’s supporters.
The spirit of giving extended beyond the local community. Participating families contributed donations to a relief drive supporting Colombia following the devastating earthquake.
The longstanding initiative is coordinated by District Community Liaison and Interpreter Cyndy Ergen with the support of Bayville Free Library leadership, district administrators and community members.
“Seeing the smiles on our students’ faces and receiving the beautiful Falcon thank you drawings was the greatest reward,” Ergen said. “This was more than an event—it was a celebration of kindness, hope and the power of caring for one another. My heart is full.”
The program demonstrates what can be accomplished when the school district, library and community work together to ensure that every student feels supported and ready to learn.