Dear Sun Spots: The Franklin County Task Force is looking for your help and the help of column readers.

We are in need of gently used, clean and serviceable cribs, bassinets, changing tables, bureaus and bouncy chairs for about 65 first-time parents we serve. We are also seeking knit or purchased hats and mittens for our Holiday Open House hat and mitten giveaway for children ages birth to 12 years. We would greatly appreciate any and all donations.

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the children in Franklin County. Your donation is tax deductible.

If you have any questions or seek more information, please phone us at 1-888-429-6960, or 778-6960. We are located at 113 Church St., Farmington, ME 04938.

Thank you all in advance for helping support families in the Franklin County area. – Janice Crandall, Farmington.

Dear Sun Spots: A while back, one of the local television stations aired a segment about a Maine organization that furnished pet food to those who could not afford it. Would it please be possible for Sun Spots to find out a name and address? – Pet Lover in Bethel.

Answer: I’m afraid Sun Spots has not located any this. Perhaps you might consider contacting each of the stations below to see if they might be able to assist you in your search:

WGME 13, 81 Northport Drive, Portland, ME 04103, 797-1313; WMTW 8, P.O. Box 8, Auburn, ME 04210, front desk 782-1800; WCSH 6, One Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101, 828-6666.

Dear Sun Spots: I have three requests.

One, I have created a family slide show using the Microsoft program PowerPoint. I would like to know if there is anyone out there who has accomplished this and has been able to burn their show to DVD and actually view the show on their television using a DVD player?

If you have been successful and would like to share your know-how, I may be reached at 782-5118 for this item and the second on liquor bottles.

Secondly, I’m looking for empty Frangelica liquor bottles. If you have one and would like to part with it, or perhaps you own a liquor establishment and throw the bottles away, might you please save them for me? I would be very interested in speaking with you.

And lastly, would anyone out there have a Briggs & Stratton 16-HP motor? The number would fit my saw rig, Model 326437, type 0027-01 and code 7711291. Regarding this inquiry, I may be reached at 754-6744. – Larry in Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: The building where I live has an overabundance of books in our library, both paperback and hardcover to give away. Anyone that might be interested may call 782-5886. I’ll call back. Thank you very much. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Great job with so many requests.

Now here’s mine. Is there a store in Lewiston or Auburn that sells block ice? It keeps much better on long trips. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Both the Minot Avenue and Sabattus Street locations for Roopers sell block ice. For more information please call 783-6353 or check out www.roopers.com.

Dear Sun Spots: Drop off locations for those wishing to donate to the 82nd Airborne in Lewiston are: Ouellette Collision Center, 1073 Sabattus Street; Marie’s Hair Designs, 885 Lisbon Street; Bilodeau Insurance, 5541 Lisbon Street; Merrill Road Self Storage, 34 Merrill Road, Lewiston Veteran’s Center, 27 Westminster Street, Mary Ann Brissette, 339 East Ave. and the American Legion Post 153, 71 South Main Street in Auburn.

Anyone wishing to make cash or check donations can do so c/o Mary Ann Brissette Holiday Fund Account, Bank of America, 993 Lisbon Street, Lewiston or any other Bank of America.

Items will need to be ready for posting by Dec. 4, so the sooner donations are received or dropped off the better. The American Legion has kindly said they’ll pay for shipping. We’ll do the packing. There will also be several collection boxes/jars in local stores.

There are 20 women and 60-plus men in this unit. My son has told his unit they will be getting a holiday surprise, but not what it is. He loves Christmas and playing Santa. His birthday is Dec. 24. Thank you to everyone for their kind help and donations. – Mary Ann, Lewiston.



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