Dear Sun Spots: We would like to encourage Sun Spots readers with any old or unwanted costumes (wigs, jewelry, hats, etc.) to please donate them to the ever-growing A + B Costume Shop inventory.

Leave any items at Lutheran Social Services, 155 Center St., Building B, Auburn, ME or call the LSS offices at (207) 783-3446.

Lutheran Social Services is a social service agency, supporting several clients with developmental disabilities and mental illness. The A + B Costume Shop at Lutheran Social Services has been renting out affordable ($5 with returnable $5 deposit) costumes for the second Halloween season in a row. The shop is run by two of our clients, and the eclectic collection includes costumes and accessories for both adults and children. These items are all donated. – Lorraine Brocker, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: Fall makes us think of many things such as leaves turning, wood fires, and cold nights. Along with these reminders of cold weather approaching, we begin to dig out our winter clothes. Unfortunately, there are some who don’t have everything necessary to get ready for winter. This is where we, along with the generous help of the surrounding communities, like to try and lend a hand each year.

We try to collect and donate mittens to the needy as part of the Mittens for Kids program. This is done through contributions from everyone willing to help. You can buy a pair of mittens, you can knit a pair, or you can sew together a mitten pattern.

Here at Cote Brothers, we have donated fleece and patterns available for those of you who would like to sew some up. In any of these cases, stop in and pick up some fleece and a pattern or just bring your contributions to our store and we will do the rest. On Dec. 3, in conjunction with Coats for Kids, we will deliver your contributions to the Salvation Army.

As always thanks for your outstanding generosity and kindness. We can be reached at Cote Brothers Sewing Machines, Auburn Plaza, 730 Center St., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 782-5922. – Lisa Cote-Blake, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: Girl Scout Troop No. 605 of Buckfield is once again sponsoring its Holiday Extravaganza. This year the craft fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Buckfield Junior Senior High School. Spaces are available to rent for crafters or community groups for $10. There will be Christmas caroling by the middle and high school chorus and a special performance by Bella Voce. For further information contact Ginny at 336-2053. – Ginny Andrews, Buckfield.

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing in response to a question concerning gift certificates, and I thought your readers might be interested in some recent changes in Maine law regarding gift certificates and gift cards. This year the Legislature passed a law, L.D. 1084, which prohibits merchants from charging fees or putting expiration dates on gift certificates and gift cards. If a gift certificate or gift card is not used for at least two years, then 60 percent of its remaining value will be returned to the consumer through the State Treasurer’s Lost or Unclaimed Property program. We felt that these changes would make using gift certificates and gift cards easier for consumers. – Sen. Peggy Rotundo, Lewiston.

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