Dear Sun Spots: I am hoping that Sun Spots readers can help me.

My family suffered a fire in Massachusetts and the high costs of rents there forced us to have to move out of state. We were lucky enough to find an apartment here in Lewiston and are now beginning to settle down here. What I am hoping that Sun Spots readers can help me with is some furniture. I have very little money right now so it would need to be free or very inexpensive.

I need two twin beds, for my two children, which is of the highest priority for me at this time.

I also need a bed for myself and husband, two bureaus, curtains, and bed linens. I am basically having to start completely over and would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have unneeded household items that they might be willing to give to my family. I have heard wonderful stories about how Sun Spots readers have helped people over the years, and I hope that they can help us also. Any and all calls will be returned. I appreciate any help that Sun Spots is able to give to me. I can be reached at (207) 782-7869. – Darlene in Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact St. Martins de Porres, 23 Bartlett St., in Lewiston, which accepts clean, gently used, good quality clothing that you or I would wear. Distribution is Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., and the clothing is free.

Also contact the Court Street Baptist Church, 129 Court St., Auburn, (207) 784-6661. They take donations of good used clothes and give them away free. They are open Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and have clothes for babies, children, teens, men and women. They have coats, jackets, skirts, slacks and more.

Dear Sun Spots: The work you do helping readers and spreading important information throughout our communities is truly amazing. You’ve helped me in the past, so here I am again.

I have a set of model railroad trains dating back to the 1950s. I am trying to find someone who can appraise them for me and also see about getting them up and running. I’ve asked in many places but so far have not found anyone to turn to. Can you help? – J.P.S., Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact McMorrow Auction Co. 48 Mechanic Falls Road, Poland, (207) 777-7030 or 800-924-9477. They have a free appraisal day on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know about some LP records that I used to have. They were lost in a house fire and I would like to replace them.

They are: “Good Night Phoebe” and “Saturday Night in Dover-Foxcroft.” They are by Victor McGorrill, I believe. I’m not sure of the spelling of first and last name. He worked for Channel 13 during the late ’60s and early ’70s. I would appreciate any help. – Sheridan Richards, New Sharon.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you may want to contact Enterprise Records, a shop that sells used records and LPs in Portland at (207) 773-7672. They are open Thursday and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: I have been knitting all my life. I don’t understand cast on by cable or do a step up round of plain knit.

I also have some items, tissue boxes and plastic canvas that I would like to give away. Anyone interested can reach me at (207) 782-6953.

Answer: Hopefully readers out there who knit will be willing to explain this to you.

Dear Sun Spots: To E.L., Lewiston (Sun Spots Dec. 3, 2003 column): Contact Bryant Stove & Music Inc., 27 Stovepipe Alley, Thorndike, ME 04986, (207) 568-3665. – M.W.L., Stratton.

Answer: E.L. may also want to contact Fireside Stove Shop, 1220 Center St., Auburn (207) 784-9249 for more information.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments.

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Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.