Dear Sun Spots: Collection is under way for this year’s Christmas outreach. Friends on a Mission youth group would like to invite schools, churches and individuals in the community to be part of Operation Christmas Child shoe-box gifts.

We will be transporting packed boxes to a collection center in Whitefield on Nov. 19. Last year, the group delivered over 107 boxes from this area and packed thousands of boxes to be loaded onto transport trucks at the collection center. For more information or to arrange pickup, please call 562-8278 (preferably in the evening). You can also log on to www.samaritanspurse.org.

Last year, 7.4 million needy children in over 90 countries received carefully packed and colorfully wrapped gifts. This was the largest outreach in the 12 years of the ministry. This year, you too can help brighten lives by packing a simple shoe box with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, candy and other gifts. These gifts not only bring the children a merry Christmas but also a hope for tomorrow. – Cathy Hazelton, Peru.

Dear Sun Spots: How would one be able to write to the cast of: The CBS show “Yes, Dear” and “The School of Rock,” and who were the actors on that movie? Also, “The Mummy Returns,” “Everybody Hates Chris” show, “Sandlot 2” and how can you get a signed picture of the group called B5? Thanks for the help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Try contacting the following:

“Yes, Dear” through CBS at 51 West 52nd St., New York, NY 10019.

The cast from “The Mummy Returns” at www.themummy.com.

Regarding your question about “The School of Rock” movie, actress Rebecca Julia Brown was cast as Katie, who was the bass guitar player in the movie. She can be contacted through her agency at Geddes Agency, 1633 N. Halsted St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60614.

Try contacting B5 through P.O. Box 5248, Bellingham WA 98227, or via e-mail at [email protected].

Dear Sun Spots: Who sharpens handsaw, circular and bucksaw blades in Lewiston or nearby? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Contact Mathieu Saw & Tool Inc., Lewiston Industrial Park, 7 Enterprise St., Lewiston, Maine 04240, (207) 783-9087. They are open Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: In answer to two questions:

The person wanting boxed greeting cards can purchase them at: Reny’s, Family Dollar and some independent drugstores. Howards Rexall in Farmington has them, as do gift catalogues like Carol Wright.

For the person wanting a recliner cover, Carol Wright’s catalogue has them. You can write Carol Wright Gifts, P.O. Box 7823, Edison, NJ 08818-7823. You can also reach customer service at (402) 464-0044. In addition, Harriet Carter, Dept. 35, North Wales, PA 19455 also has recliner covers. – Dorothy M. Soule, Farmington.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for an eight-track tape player. My player no longer works and I know of no one who repairs them. Please call me, (207) 779-0687, if you have one to sell or can make repairs. – E. Brackett, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: We enjoy your column very much. Might you know when the ski and winter apparel swap will take place and if it’s in Lewiston or Auburn? Also, we bought pure queen-bee honey drops at Fryeburg but have lost the address and phone number for Bowdoinham. I sure hope the makers can please call us. We can be reached at (207) 783-3470. – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots believes you may be referring to the Auburn Ski Swap, which takes place at Auburn Middle School on Sunday, Nov. 20. The doors will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m. The drop-off day for used equipment is Saturday, Nov. 19, between 1 and 5 p.m. at Auburn Middle School.

The swap will feature new alpine and nordic equipment, snowboards, winter apparel and more, with representatives from leading vendors on hand to help you with your selections. In addition to the deals offered by vendors, there will be plenty of used equipment available for you to choose from.

Unfortunately, Sun Spots did not locate the answer to your second question and hopefully you could please provide a name of the business to assist in the search.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].