Free school supplies will be available to Richmond Public Schools teachers when classes begin, thanks to a nonprofit called HandsOn Greater Richmond (HOGR).

With support from the city’s school system, HOGR is setting up a distribution center in the now empty library of the former A.V. Norrell Elementary School, 2120 Fendall Ave. in North Side.

The goal: To address a problem teachers have long griped about — having to buy supplies with their own money or their students go without, according to the nonprofit.

The center expects to have supplies ranging from classroom decor to pencils, pens, paper, glue sticks, scissors and other everyday items, stated the nonprofit best known for its online website recruiting volunteers for community projects.

According to HGOR, the project began in June when volunteers from a Richmond-based insurance company pitched in to paint bookshelves and sort the donated school supplies at Norrell school.

HOGR currently is recruiting volunteers to work Saturday, Aug. 15, as well as Wednesday, Aug. 26, and Friday, Aug. 28, to finish painting the distribution space. The work is expected to take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the three days, HOGR stated on its website.

HOGR also is recruiting volunteers to provide supplies to stock the center and to craft motivational bookmarks for students.

Volunteers ages 12 to 15 need to be accompanied by an adult, the nonprofit stated, adding that interested people need to register on the group’s website before participating.

For further details and to register: HandsOnrva.org.