DEAR SUN SPOTS: For some time we’ve been looking for two items: a black butter dish and a used fireplace screen door.

We have been to many stores and used shops and many garage sales to no avail.

With so many people switching from wood to propane, you would think that someone would want to sell their old fireplace doors. We have not seen one in classified ads.

We are willing to pay a modest amount and pick it up. Thanks for calling 268-4613. — Rachel, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots found black butter dishes at several sites online, including Sears.com, which has an Oggi butter dish on sale for $6.90. If your Sears store doesn’t have it, sales personnel should be able to order it for you.

Also, Amazon.com has a Fiesta brand for $21.95. You can place a phone order at 1-800-201-7575.

You might also try a specialty cooking store. Sun Spots had a column on those last November and was alerted to several options:

* LeRoux Kitchen, Portland, www.lerouxkitchen.com, 553-7665

* Now You’re Cooking, 49 Front St., Bath, www.acooksemporium.com, 443-1402

* Williams-Sonoma, Maine Mall, South Portland, www.williams-sonoma.com, 772-9175

As for fireplace screens, Amazon sells them, with the lowest price at about $35. There are also inexpensive options on eBay, although used do appear to be in short supply.

Sun Spots does not know why. Perhaps used ones have suffered enough wear that people don’t feel they are good enough to sell? Unless they are antiques, of course, but that may be more than you want to spend.

Hopefully a helpful reader will call and fill your request.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped many other people. Now I hope you can help me.

Do you or one of your readers know where I can purchase a battery- or hand-operated card shuffler? This is for a person who loves to plays cards but has arthritis in her hands. — Harold, Oxford

ANSWER: There appear to be lots of options, but many of them are for multiple decks.

www.card-shuffler.com (888-765-3740) had lots of choices. They have a wooden version for one to two decks with batteries for $19.99.

Walmart.com also has one for $15.95 that you may also be able to get in the store, although the price may differ.

Readers may also be able to help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Saint Martin de Porres Bargain Basket at the corner of College and Bartlett streets is in need of the following items to replenish its supplies: Toasters, blenders, mixers, pots and pans, furniture, towels, woman and men’s jewelry, and king-, queen- and full-size sheets.

We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donated items can be dropped off at the Bargain Basket during business hours.

Thanks so much to all who help to support our mission of helping men and women in need. All proceeds from sale of items are donated to the residence. Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated. — Connie Lecompte, volunteer, 786-4690

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 emailed to [email protected].