The Place, located at 22 East Main Street in Norwich, is currently accepting donations for their school supply drive to benefit Chenango County youth. School supply giveaways will be held from 12 to 3:30 p.m. on August 26, and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on August 28. (Sun file photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Place is collecting school supplies for Chenango County youth in preparation for two giveaway events scheduled for 12 to 3:30 p.m. on August 26, and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on August 28 at their location at 22 East Main Street in Norwich.

"We’ve got a lot of community support. In the past few years that we’ve been doing this, we’ve served over 800 youth from nine districts in the county. So it’s a pretty well-attended event," said The Place Executive Director Sharon Vesely.

Donations are currently being accepted for the giveaways. Vesely said they are especially in need of backpacks, as every student needs one but they can be the most expensive item on a school supply list. But, donations of any school supplies are accepted, including pens, pencils, loose leaf paper, folders, binders, highlighters, notebooks, and more.

Those who wish to donate can drop off items at The Place during their operating hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or purchase supplies from their Amazon Wish List, linked on their Facebook page and website, ThePlaceNorwich.com. Items purchased through Amazon will be shipped directly to The Place.

"There’s a huge need, and I think that need is just continuing to grow in households. And when we lighten the load in one aspect, it helps them maybe keep the lights on, get extra food in the cabinets," said Vesely. "Especially if you have multiple kids in school. We’re looking forward to this year and continuing to serve families."

At the giveaway events, Vesely said supplies will be available on a first come, first served basis. School supply lists from Chenango County school districts will be available if posted by the district, as well as generic supply lists.

Vesely said any left over supplies will be retained by The Place for an additional giveaway event halfway through the school year.

"Any donations that we have left over after the giveaways we’ll hang onto, and mid-school year we’ll do another distribution because at that time more pens are needed, loose leaf paper. So we’ll replenish that as well, so nothing goes to waste," she said.

So far, The Place has received support from community businesses, organizations, and individuals who have provided supplies and monetary donations to support the events. Vesely said Visions Federal Credit Union, the Chenango County Sheriff's Office, Catholic Charities, the LEAF Council, Alvogen, Raymond Corporation, and many community members have donated.

"We definitely wouldn't be able to do it without the support of community organizations and businesses," said Vesely. "We're thankful for that."

More information on The Place and their services for Chenango County youth can be found at ThePlaceNorwich.com or on The Place Facebook page.