Dear Sun Spots: I received an e-mail that asked for letters/cards to be sent to A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001. My step mom said she sent one to that address last year, and it came back to her as undeliverable. Is this a legit address? If not, where can we send cards/letters to soldiers to let them know we appreciate them, and are thinking of them, especially during the holidays? Thanks for your help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: It was a usable address at one time, but according to a release from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, letters or cards can no longer be delivered to “Any Wounded Soldier” or “A Recovering American Soldier” for security and safety reasons. It is a policy of the U.S. Postal Service.

The last holiday season people could use this address, more than 700,000 pieces of mail were screened and delivered to soldiers. This year, the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are sponsoring a “Holiday Mail for Heroes” campaign. They’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Their goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials and then reviewed by volunteers.

Guidelines are as follows: All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, Dec. 10. Cards sent after this date they will be returned to sender. Participants should limit the number of cards to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage. Be sure that all cards are signed. Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.”

Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program. Please send cards as opposed to long letters and do not include e-mail or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos; these items will be removed during the reviewing process. All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums. Phone cards, gift cards and care packages will not be accepted with the holiday cards.

Send your cards to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a set of dishes for a Christmas present. The dishes are white with a green border and pictures of fish (trout, bass, etc.) around the edge. I will be grateful for a catalogue, or will buy the dishes themselves, new or used. You may call me at 353-7112 and leave a message. Thank you. – No Name, Lisbon.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a pair of silver earrings with a hanging dove. One of the doves has broken off and I need to have them repaired. Do you know of someone in the L/A area who fixes jewelry and is not overly expensive? Thanks for your help. I love reading your column. – Tammy, Mechanic Falls.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Jewelry by Alfred, 770 Main St., Lewiston, 782-7206, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Goldworks, 120 Center St., Auburn, 782-7575, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. Also, the Jeweler’s Bench, 426 Lisbon St., Lewiston, 782-8786, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and Republic Jewelry and Coin, 212 Center St., Auburn, 784-4444, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please help me locate a company that can convert music from a 7-inch reel-to-reel tape to a CD. The actual tape measures ¼ inch by 1,200 feet. I have many songs I have taped in past years and would love to be able to listen to them all again. If anyone would know of such a company, or can do this, I would be so grateful if they would e-mail me at mvachon4@roadrunner.com with information to contact them. Thank you so much! – Missin’ My Music, No Town.

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.