DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a Togus VA Medical Center volunteer, and I would like to make my fellow Sun Spots readers aware of some “needs list” items for veterans who are hospitalized at Togus, those who come for treatment and for those who visit our veterans. Financial donations are needed for:

• the coffee fund in waiting areas, wards and clinics

• diabetic snacks fund

• newspaper fund for waiting areas, wards and clinics

• pizza party fund ($50) for patients on Unit 4 South

• ice cream social fund ($25) for patients on Unit 4 South

• barbecue sponsorship ($250) for residents, family and staff of the nursing home units (July 20 for Unit 73 or Sept. 2 for Unit 72).

Please make checks payable to Togus VA Medical Center and identify which programs you want the funds sent to. The address is Togus VAMC, Voluntary Services Office, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330. Your requests will be honored and you will receive a written acknowledgement from Togus VAMC.

Other donations requested include Afghan throws for twin beds, calling cards (60 minutes or more) and good-quality electric razors for patients who, because they are taking blood-thinning medications, cannot use other types of razors.

When you make your donation, please provide Togus with your name, address, the number of items you are donating and their value. Again, you will receive written acknowledgement of your donation(s). Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Togus VAMC, Voluntary Services Office, 1 VA Center, Building 205, 3rd Floor, Augusta, ME 04330, 621-4886, ext. 5286, or toll free at 1-877-421-8263, ext. 4886.

Whether you can donate one item or 20, $5 or $250, your donations will be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance, — Phyllis Arnold Rand, Togus VA Voluntary Services representative, phyllis_rand@yahoo.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I remember reading in your column about a mother who made a mixture that was safe to use on her toddler to prevent bug bites. It seems to me that it worked so well that many of her friends asked her to make it available and eventually she made it to sell at a few different venues. Can you please supply me with information about how I can get this for my little great-granddaughter? Thank you so much. — Maxine Herling, Durham

ANSWER: Sun Spots wasn’t able to find the column to which you refer; perhaps another reader will send it in. Meanwhile, there are a number of organic, toddler-safe repellents on the market. For example, Burt’s Bees makes one using lemongrass. Another option would be to visit Axis Natural Foods, 250 Center St., Auburn, 782-3348.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have recently started collecting old Edward Little High School yearbooks. If anyone is spring cleaning and has a yearbook they no longer want or use, please don’t throw it away.

If you are interested in finding a good home for it instead, please contact me. My budget is limited, but we may be able to work out a price that works for both of us. If you leave a message on my answering machine, I will call you back or you can contact me by e-mail. — Joline, 777-5721, J4tier@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would someone have a hose to a Eureka vacuum cleaner that they no longer need? The label says “4.0 Horse power, Two Stage Motor, VCMA rating 1.21 HP.” Thank you. — Wilfred Jacqaues, wsjacques@myfairpoint.net

ANSWER: There are hoses available on eBay if you have computer access. You will need the model number of your vacuum to know which is the right one.

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). Please include your phone number. 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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