DEAR SUN SPOTS: The STEP program at Lewiston High School is once again seeking support from the community to help our students experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to eliminate barriers to education and make learning accessible while helping students figure out life’s bigger issues.

Over the four years our program has been in existence at LHS, we have been able to help hundreds of students, due to the generosity and support from our neighbors. In addition to the day-to-day support provided through tutoring and mentoring, our efforts include public awareness speaking engagements, getting students to the prom, senior portraits, assistance in college and post-high school education pursuits, job searches, driver education assistance, housing referrals, etc.

At Lewiston High School, we have started a program called The Store Next Door, thanks to support from the Lewiston Education Fund grant we received last spring. This program offers food, clothing, toiletries and hygiene products, and small household goods to students at no cost.

We are currently gathering high school-age school supplies, backpacks, new and gently loved clothing, nonperishable food items, cases of bottled water, juices, Pop-Tarts, granola bars and snacks.

Also, volunteers and services are sought to assist in meeting the demands of these projects, such as dry cleaning services and tutoring. If you can be of help, feel free to call me or drop off donations at the main office of LHS. Thank you for your ongoing caring. — Mary Seaman, mseaman@lewistonpublicschools.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many families are asking people to make a donation to a charity of their choice instead of sending flowers when a loved one has passed away. What is the correct course of action? Should I mention in my sympathy card that I donated to the charity or let the charity notify the family of my donation? I ask because I hear from the charity, but not the family. I assume the charity lets the family know who made a donation. If the family does not acknowledge the donation, it is an awkward situation to inquire about it? Do all charities give a list of who donated? Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Did you contact the specific charity and ask them if they share that information with the bereaved? Sun Spots suspects most charities do, especially if the family requested donations be made to a specific charity.

As for the failure to acknowledge the gift, Sun Spots does not have Miss Manners’ knowledge of etiquette. However, she does not see how you can ask someone who has just lost a loved one if they know you gave money to the charity. Is it tasteless to note that fact on your sympathy card? Sun Spots suspects that could depend on the situation and your relationship with those involved.

Many people no longer acknowledge gifts, be it for birthday or bereavement, so not getting a response may not indicate a failure to receive it.

Sun Spots suggests you ask the charity to inform the family. Then, even if they don’t send a note to you, you’ll know they know the gift was made — as well as that your money went to a good cause.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the reader who wanted slides converted to DVDs, there is also Coastal Imaging. Her name is Ruth Adams. Her phone number is 240-6697, and e-mail is coastalimaging@ymail.com. She has been doing slides for our family, is doing a fantastic job and is very reasonable. — Lynn Cummings, brijid@hotmail.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). 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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