OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Carol Marcotte’s dining room table is covered with children’s books. Her living room has been taken over by school supplies, toiletries and children’s toys. In the trunk of her car is a suitcase full to almost bursting with school supplies and other children’s items.

And she says, she has more items — all of them donated for students at schools in Sint Maarten, an island which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Irma in early September.

Marcotte has been traveling to Sint Maarten for 23 years, and considers it her second home. A long-time educator, she has made presentations at local schools, and has many connections with local teachers.

Education is important to Marcotte, and her career has included time as a classroom teacher, principal, and curriculum coordinator. She said giving back and community service are important to her, which is why she serves on the local school board. 

Marcotte said when she heard of the damage in Sint Maarten, she decided to collect items for students. 

She reached out to colleagues and students at University of New England, where she is an associate lecturer, area schools, a local library, local businesses, friends and even her hairdresser.

“It’s just amazing how everyone is pitching in,” she said. “I’m speechless.”

Marcotte is leaving Sunday to spend Thanksgiving week at Sint Maarten. The condominium building where Marcotte has a time share had extensive hurricane damage, and she will be staying with friends.

A friend from Sint Maarten recently called Marcotte to tell her a suitcase she had in storage in Sint Maarten where she keeps clothing and other items she needs while staying on the island has been found. This was good news for Marcotte, not only because her personal belongings were found, but also it meant that she would have more room to bring donated items over with her.

Marcotte will be bringing with her on Sunday two suitcases stuffed with items for Sint Marteen schools, and has been granted permission from the airlines to extend the weight limit of her luggage for no extra cost and can bring two suitcases up to 100 pounds each. 

There are still more donations that need to get to Sint Marteen, and Marcotte is looking for help sending the rest of the items. Anyone who would like to assist Marcotte in her effort can email her at [email protected].

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].