The Place is hosting their Back to School Supply Drive through August 22, with a giveaway to benefit Chenango County students during the week of August 25. (Sun file photo)

NORWICH — The Place, located at 22 East Main Street in Norwich, is hosting their annual Back to School Supply Drive and Giveaway this month to benefit students in Chenango County.

Currently, The Place is collecting school supply donations. Needed items include pens, pencils, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, index cards, pencil sharpeners, scissors, highlighters, loose leaf paper, cap erasers, rulers, binder dividers, composition notebooks, and spiral-bound notebooks.

"Community members, businesses, and agencies are welcome to donate school supplies directly or contribute monetarily. Financial donations allow us to purchase the specific items families request, ensuring every child receives what they need," said The Place Executive Director Sharon Vesely.

School supplies and financial donations can be dropped off at The Place during their regular operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, now through August 22.

During the week of August 25, The Place will hold their free School Supply Giveaway, which is open to any student in Chenango County, regardless of age or grade.

"We’re here to support every child heading back to school," said Vesely.

Families can fill out the request form available at ThePlaceNorwich.com, which allows them to mark which items they need. Once forms are submitted, Vesely said The Place will coordinate pick-up times to ensure a smooth experience.

In addition to the donated supplies, she said they will also be giving out items such as backpacks and pencil cases based on the requests noted on the forms.

School supply request forms must be submitted by August 26.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the many businesses and agencies whose generous contributions make this effort possible," said Vesely. "Their support helps us ensure that every child starts the school year with confidence and the tools to succeed."

Individuals with any questions about the supply drive or giveaway may contact The Place at 607-336-9696.

For more information on The Place, visit ThePlaceNorwich.com or The Place Facebook page.