Dear Sun Spots: You have helped many who have stated a need, and this is what we need.

We are looking for someone who would graciously donate a much-needed wooden picnic table, in good condition, for our senior citizens home at Roak Block, 156 Main St., Auburn.

We really would appreciate this much-needed gift. Thank you so very much. – D. G., Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a blue bee balm bush, which is about three years old and is blooming great right now. It’s in a rock garden on a slope, and with all the rain we’ve had, it doesn’t stand in any water, so it’s doing good. Maybe this would help your reader’s problem. – M.R., Lisbon.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks for the help you have given in the past. You do such a great job, so I hope you can please help me again with two questions.

One: Is it possible to purchase an ELHS yearbook for the year 1970 and if so, how much and who would I get in touch with?

Two: Why can’t they use a smaller needle when people donate plasma? I would love to and have tried, but my veins are too small. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Hopefully, any readers out there who might be willing to part with their 1970 yearbook will assist you.

Regarding your second question, Sun Spots spoke with Sharon of Portland Biologicals, 239 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240, 783-3230, who says they have to use a 16-gauge needle because the blood is so thick. The blood is removed through a needle inserted in a vein in your arm. It passes into a sterile, self-contained system that separates the plasma from the other components of the blood. This process is called plasmapheresis. The non-plasma components are returned to you through the same needle. At no time is your blood exposed to open air; nor does it leave the sterile, enclosed environment of the plasmapheresis system. Further, as you’ve seen in doctors’ offices and hospitals, all of the supplies used in DCI’s plasmapheresis centers come in sealed, sterile, one-time-use packages. The supplies used in drawing your donation are disposed of immediately after use. A fresh package is used for each donor.

Portland Biologicals would love to hear from potential donors. Plasma donors receive compensation in cash for each donation. For more on how to donate, please contact them at the above number. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m begging for round knitting needles that folks are not using anymore.

I’m collecting them to give to a homeless women’s shelter where a group of ladies go to teach these unfortunate souls to knit. We’re looking for sizes 5 to 8 and would surely appreciate any donations. I volunteer at Stephens Memorial Hospital lobby on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon. Donations can be brought to me there. Thank you for your help. – Virginia Forrest, Norway.

Dear Sun Spots: I answered a request for knitted shawls for a nursing home in the Auburn/Lewiston area for wheelchair patients. I have lost the address for the lady who put the request in Sun Spots. If anyone has her name or e-mail address, please pass it along to me at 665-2530. Thanks for your help. – Ellie, Bryant Pond.

• The hours for St. Martin de Porres’ Bargain Basket, featured in the June 16 column were incorrectly reported by Sun Spots. They are open Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday’s from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Small furniture, household items and children’s and adults clothing are available for a nominal fee. If dropping off left-over garage sale items, please contact the residence first. They can be reached at 786-4690.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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