Dear Sun Spots: This note is to thank you for all the good advice you give us. You have helped me before and I hope you can do so again.

Can you please find out for me if there is any organization, medical, locally, that will accept slightly used equipment to help someone who is under-insured or has no coverage for such?

I have just been fitted with a state-of-the-art walking boot, after foot surgery. I cannot tolerate it as it is too difficult for me to buckle up. I’m 72. I was hoping that since I have had at the most 30 steps with it, that somehow, someone could make use of it. If such an organization is interested, or anyone else going through some kind of foot surgery might be interested, please give me a call at 784-8388. Leave a message if I am not there. You can also try to reach me at 783-0620.

I would be happy to help anyone in need of such.

I also have a pair of crutches, if they can be of any help to anyone.

Keep up the good work! – Rose in Lewiston.

Answer: You might consider contacting Betsy Judkins of Annie’s Bean Pole. Judkins established a “lending service” of medical equipment in Farmington some years ago.

It’s been several years now and what started out as the odd piece of donated equipment for those who can use it has blossomed under Betsy’s sole care. Callers leave phone messages with their needs or items they have for dropping off. Betsy then matches them up and ensures she has the equipment on hand. On hand at Annie’s Bean Pole are an attic full of Depends undergarments, pillows, wheelchairs, beds, and walkers. Betsy says when there’s too much it requires some rearranging on her part.

Donations are made by those who no longer need them and just want them out of the house.

Oftentimes, medical equipment is needed temporarily and the service is useful to those not covered by insurance, with high co-payments or deductibles on their policies: Shower benches, grabbers, and walkers are not usually covered at all.

The service “Annie’s Bean Pole,” named after Judkins mother, is free. Contact Judkins at 778-9665 or by e-mail at [email protected]. to arrange drop offs or discuss your needs.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for Christmas tree ball ornaments for a craft project. I am hoping that someone in the local area can help me. I need 153 pieces – 125 small one-inch balls, 18 medium 1½-inch and 10 large 2-to- 2½-inch ones. I have tried several Web sites and have had no luck. I am willing to pay for them if the price is reasonable and also for postage. Now that the holidays are over maybe someone one would to get rid of these and I would really like them. I will accept any color that they may have. Thank you. Please contact Cynthia Lane at 96 Pine Street, Dixfield, ME 04224 or call 562-4556 (after 2 p.m. weekdays) or e-mail me at [email protected]. – Cynthia Lane, Dixfield.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to contact La-Z-Boy’s corporate offices. How do I do so? Thanks. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Contact La-Z-Boy Inc’s corporate headquarters at 1284 N. Telegraph Road, Monroe, MI 48162, 734-242-1444. You can also reach them on the Web site at www.lazyboy.com.

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].