DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Knights of Columbus councils of Lisbon Falls, Auburn and Norway announces the kickoff of “The Knights Before Christmas” Toy Drive. This third annual toy drive is to benefit the children in foster and state care in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

The first year we received about 400 items; last year, with the help of two other Knights of Columbus Councils, we received more than 1,300 items. This is all thanks to so many generous people. Your column was a great help.

Every year, hundreds of children are affected by circumstances beyond their control. They are often taken from abusive, neglectful homes and placed with “angel” families. These families open their homes, lives and their hearts to these children a home and love.

Often these children leave abusive homes with nothing. As times are hard for our citizens, we ask that you open your hearts and reflect on Christmases past. Remember the joys you had as you looked upon your gifts and the smiles on the faces of your families.

Please, remember these innocent victims this year by donating a new unwrapped toy or gift card. These gifts will be going to children of all ages. No gift is too small to put a smile on someone’s face.

Our next fill-the-truck toy drive will be at Pedro O’Hara’s on Main Street in Lewiston on Friday, Nov. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. Please check the Check It Out calendar in the Sun Journal for future toy drives. Thank you. — Roger Roy, randcroy@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Following are two more letters from groups in the region looking to help kids at Christmas that readers may want to consider for donations.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: All of the folks at NFI North, Dirigo Place in Lewiston, would like to thank you for your kindness and your willingness to help our youth at Christmas in years past. Had it not been for your generosity, there would have been very few gifts for the girls and boys that we work with.

Dirigo Place serves boys and girls ages 10 to 20 in a treatment setting. Corporate donations have decreased due to the dire economic conditions, so your support is especially meaningful this year at Dirigo Place.

The children have asked for gift cards, video games, movies and personal hygiene items, and they really like gift certificates to fast food restaurants. However, anything that you can find in your heart to contribute would be appreciated.

If you would like to donate to our youth, you can mail it to: 98 Russell St., Lewiston, ME 04240. You can call us at 784-7144 and ask for Joan or Heather or email me.

Your donation is tax deductible if you provide us with your name and address, we would like to send a thank-you note as well as an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us at NFI North! — Joan Muldoon, program director, joanmuldoon@nafi.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund is accepting donations for needy families. We realize times continue to be difficult for all, so we think it is important to remember the children. Last year with your generous contributions we were able to help 55 families.

In addition to money we are accepting new clothing, mittens, hats, gloves, games, puzzles, school supplies and books for kids of all ages, which can be left at one of the Monmouth schools. Checks can be made payable to the Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund and mailed to Laurie Gifford, P.O. Box 218, Monmouth, ME 04259. If possible, the committee would like contributions on or before Dec. 3, but will gratefully accept them at any time. — Penny Robertson, Monmouth

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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