Demarcus Dreiling, 6, left, and Nick Martin, 7, cross their balloon swords Thursday at Old Chicago during a Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence party. Balloons, handmade pizzas and 45 backpacks full of school supplies were provided to the youth courtesy of Old Chicago and Payless Shoe Store.

Some Lawrence children are all set for the new school year, thanks to local donations.

Old Chicago Restaurant and Payless ShoeSource teamed up to provide 45 red, yellow and blue backpacks full of school supplies to the Boys and Girls Club.

“All of this money has come through the generous donations of our guests,” said Shannon Winfrey, Old Chicago’s general manager.

The restaurant collected donations throughout the year and had a garage sale to sell items provided by patrons.

The children were excited about their gifts and the opportunity to make their own pizza Thursday.

J’momy Bryant, 11, said he liked school and was excited for the new supplies. He was hoping to get a red backpack. “It’s my favorite color,” he said.

Eight-year-old Travis Barfield was wondering what was inside. “Pens and pencils?” he said.

Payless ShoeSource also included a coupon for each child for a pair of shoes and donated $2,000 to the Boys and Girls Club.

This is the second year that Old Chicago has donated backpacks, and Winfrey hopes next year’s donations will be even greater.

“We only did 30 last year, and we’re up to 45 this year, and hopefully we can do 60 next year,” she said. “We’re trying to build every year.”