Dear Sun Spots: Are there any organizations in the area, hospitals, rehabs, nursing homes, that accept crutches, walkers, air boots, etc., that have been “gently used?” I know we are not the only family that has some of these items that someone could use. – Joyce, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, consider contacting Medical Equipment To Go (METGO), a service provided by St. Mary’s Health System.

According to its Web site, they loan medical equipment to area residents who are unable to buy or rent their own and the in stock equipment covers many of the basic needs for home care, such as crutches, canes, commodes, shower chairs, walkers, IV poles and wheelchairs. Contact the service at 755-3030 or e-mail METGO@stmarysmaine.com.

You may also consider contacting Betsy Judkins of Annie’s Bean Pole in Farmington. Judkins established a “lending service” of medical equipment some years ago. Contact her at 778-9665 or by e-mail at betsyme@gwi.net to arrange drop-offs or discuss your needs.

Dear Sun Spots: I read your response to inquiries about the new Consumer Product Safety Commission law. I also read and saved the articles in the Sun Journal.

The concerns are not just for lead, but also for “phthlalates, which are chemicals used to soften plastics” (from a Jan. 24 article). The woman in the article used fleece which is recycled plastic bottles.

I wrote Caron and Lion Brand yarn companies on Jan. 29 to ask if their synthetic yarns contain phthlalates. Neither answered. My second, recent letter to Caron was stamped “returned to sender” and not with the usual Post Office stamp for undeliverable mail.

I’m a little concerned that they wouldn’t even accept my second letter. I haven’t written Red Heart as I rarely use their yarn.

Perhaps you can get their attention. There are lots of us knitters and crocheters wondering whether we have to stop “manufacturing.” – Vickie, Otisfield.

Answer: Sun Spots has attempted to contact both companies to no avail. If notified, we’ll print an update in the column.