Dear Sun Spots: The Rural Community Action Ministry (RCAM) and Homelessness Prevention Services Committee are seeking donations for our holiday program which assists families in our service area who would otherwise be unable to afford holiday gifts. We are also seeking families hoping to participate in this program.

Both elderly residents and families with children ages 18 and under are eligible for the program. To apply, please contact RCAM directly by phoning 524-5095 or 224-7505. The deadline for requests is Nov. 30, and early requests are encouraged. Please get requests in as soon as possible.

Help is needed to: purchase new gifts, donations of wrapping paper, tape, and gift tags and cash donations.

We are grateful for past donations from all the caring people who have made this program possible. Those wishing to apply for the program or who wish to make a donations may reach Rural Community Action Ministry at: RCAM, 81 Church Hill Road, Leeds, ME 04263, or by phoning 524-5095 or 224-7505.

Our community-based social service agency works with churches and other organizations to assist people in Litchfield, Monmouth, Wayne, Sabattus, Wales, Greene, Leeds, Turner, Livermore, Canton, Hartford, Sumner and Buckfield. RCAM has been helping families in need with a variety of programs and projects for many years. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Crafters are wanted for the annual Nezinscot Valley Music Booster Craft Fair being held Dec. 1 in the Buckfield Junior-Senior High School. The hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and table space is available for $10. Alternatively, bring your own table. Contact Meghan Andrews-Wright at 336-2557 or via e-mail at [email protected] by Nov. 28 to reserve space. – Cynthia Norton, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please tell me if the Breast Cancer Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5630, Augusta, ME 04332-5630 is a legitimate charity? I received some literature from them requesting a donation and on the back of the form in extremely small print that I could barely read it said that a large portion of the gross proceeds raised goes to defray the cost of this appeal and that it is not affiliated with The American Breast Cancer Foundation, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society or the National Alliance for Breast Care Awareness.

I’m concerned about the cost of the appeal! Thank you! – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots has not located a local Maine chapter. However, in checking the Web she notes that the Breast Cancer Foundation, formerly fund, describes itself as being committed to helping women in need in the developing world. Breast cancer incidence and deaths are increasing at alarming rates in the poorer countries of the developing world. Our mission is to reverse this trend by providing treatment options and access to pharmaceuticals and medical goods that breast cancer patients require.

It also supports education, prevention, medical assistance and relief, and innovative research programs in order to reduce the incidence of breast cancer throughout the world. Breast Cancer Relief Foundation is also committed to directly assisting patients, survivors, and their families in coping with the personal devastation caused by breast cancer. It has relationships and agreements to assure that all donations are provided duty and tax free to the intended overseas countries and that the benefiting needy patients are provided the medicines without charge.

Dear Sun Spots: I read your column every day. You have helped so many people, and I would like to thank you and column readers for the help you give.

I am hoping you can now please help me. I am 80 years old and have polio so cannot go too far. I have a very good friend who brings me to doctor visits and errands. I have a lot of time on my hands and like to do puzzles. If anyone has any to give, my friend would be happy to pick them up. If someone would want some back she would also be willing to return them. My day is very long, and I am on a fixed income and cannot buy any. If you have any puzzles that you would be willing to part with, please call 782-9550. I will be happy to call you back, should I miss your call. – No Name, Auburn.

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