NORWICH — The start of the school year is just around the corner, and Norwich nonprofit The Place is supporting Chenango County families by offering free school supplies at their facility located at 22 East Main Street in Norwich.

Supplies can be picked up at The Place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 2; Tuesday, September 6; and Wednesday, September 7, or until supplies last.

"We have lots of notebooks, loose-leaf paper, three-ring binders, pencils. Anything really kids would need for school, anything that’s on a typical supply list for school districts, we have here," said The Place Executive Director Sharon Vesely. "We’ve already had a lot of parents and youth stop in to pick up school supplies and just getting ready for the school year."

Vesely added that The Place has seen an outpouring of support in the form of donations to the giveaway, with donations coming from Raymond Corporation staff members, Preferred Mutual, Fidelis, and several community members.

So far, The Place has served 92 Chenango County students with their giveaway. They are still accepting donations as well, and those looking to get involved can contact Vesely at 607-336-9696 ext. 103.

More information on The Place and their services and programs can be found at ThePlaceNorwich.com or on The Place Facebook page.