BELFAST — For a second consecutive year, Maine Country and Coast Real Estate, based in Belfast, is organizing a drive to provide donations of hygiene products to East Belfast Elementary School students who may not have access to ample hygiene products at home. 

The idea for the hygiene drive came in January 2019 when the school posted about a need for donations of hygiene products on social media. Maggie Goscinski, the agency’s administrative assistant, saw the post and approached the company’s president, Esther Darres, with the concept of a hygiene drive. 

“Together we collaborated to engage our community in helping East Belfast Elementary get the products their students needed,” said Darres. 

In 2019, the real estate company filled two boxes with hygiene items donated and set a goal of filling three boxes in this year’s drive, which will end Feb. 7. 

The 2020 goal has been far surpassed, according to Darres, who noted the company has been overwhelmed by the community’s support with over 100 items being donated as of early Jan. 28. 

“It has been truly inspiring to see the outpouring of generosity from our neighbors here in Belfast,” said Darres. 

With a strong show of support and unity from the Belfast community, Darres said when it is time to organize the third annual drive in 2021, they hope to be able to partner with other schools in need of hygiene product donations. 

“With the unprecedented level of support we've received on this drive in 2020, we are exploring other schools that also have a need,” said Darres. 

Those interested in donating hygiene products may drop products off at Maine Country and Coast Real Estate, located at 9A Beaver Street, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. until Feb. 7. 

Items being collected include toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, combs, deodorant, lip balm, dish detergent, soap bars, toilet paper, floss, lotion, tissues, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and menstrual pads. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.