A local community group is using social media to provide essential items for Boothbay Region students. The Boothbay Region K-12 Co-op is soliciting hygiene products, perishable healthy snacks and winter clothing via Facebook. The page was started last month by Julie and Paul Roberts who attended an October community forum regarding activities for the region’s age 11 to 26 population.

The forum’s participants included business owners, law enforcement and clergy representatives, according to Julie Roberts, co-owner of Coastal Maine Popcorn in Boothbay Harbor.

The participants divided into smaller breakout groups to brainstorm ideas for providing community-based services for the region’s youth. The group reached a consensus that Boothbay Region elementary and high school students lacked regular access to basic needs.

“We never realized the need for these everyday essentials. So we started the Facebook page,” said Julie Roberts.

The Boothbay Region K-12 Co-op had over 250 likes in the first two to three days of its existence, according to Roberts.

The Facebook page lists items needed by students on a daily basis. The page includes a list requesting deodorant, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, healthy snacks, and winter clothing. Roberts envisions the Co-op being a public resource and used by all students regardless of family income.

“This is not charity. This is for those times where a student has a need,” she said. “You shouldn’t view this as a handout. If there is a simple need the student should be able to get it.”

Roberts hopes to expand the Co-op’s future offerings to include more food offerings. The organizers expect the list to grow in the coming weeks as the school principals are compiling a list of student needs. According to Roberts, the two principals met with teachers last week soliciting recommendations for the list.

The Co-op is also working with the two principals to store items in the schools. Roberts hopes space is made available to store items at the school instead of her store.

“The goal is for students to walk in and take what they need when they need it,” she said.

For now, the Roberts are accepting donations and storing them at Coastal Maine Popcorn at 15 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. Donations are accepted during regular store hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week.