DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Chris in Monmouth (Aug. 18), yes, someone still does collect postage stamps. I collect canceled as well as uncanceled.

I do not have a computer or ready access/knowledge to be able to respond by email, so undoubtedly the offered stamps will be long gone by the time you receive this response. But I am the eternal optimist, so I am writing anyway.

Please pass this message on to Chris or print in the soonest column you are able. If stamps are still available, please drop me a postcard or leave me a phone message, and I can call you back to save you a lengthy toll call.

Sun Spots is the most important part of the Sun Journal to me. Thank you for your assistance and for the great and useful service you provide to readers. — Virginia Labbe, 223 High St., Lot 31, South Paris, ME 04281-6552, 743-1678

ANSWER: Sun Spots apologizes to Virginia for not running her letter sooner. It got stuck behind the envelope of another letter and she overlooked it. However, she is not too worried about Virginia’s chances of getting stamps from Chris and other readers. Many people write and ask about outlets for stamps, so she may very well be inundated. And she will generate more stamps as the beleaguered U.S. Postal Service delivers the older stamps to her home!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Aug. 20 complaint and inquiry about phone card charges, we needed a new card this year because our old one was being phased out. We went online and googled “phone card” and came up with AT&T virtual prepaid phone cards.

We purchased it online, no card needed, just a printout with a phone number and pin. The coast was $42.80 for 1,000 minutes, which is about 4 cents per minute.

Works great for long distance. However, they do charge three minutes for every minute of in-state calls. — Don Sillars, Peru

ANSWER: Thanks for the tip. Sun Spots has also used AT&T via her AT&T Universal Visa card and had no problems.

Sun Spots went to the website Don recommended to try and find out if the cards could be purchased over the phone and not just online. They cannot. But the customer service representative said that AT&T cards are available in stores such as Walmart and Target.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For long distance calls, I have used Penny Talk (1-877-736-6925). It costs 49 cents when the call goes through and then one penny for each minute you talk. Some overseas calls are 2 cents a minute. I’ve used it for years with no complaint. Enjoy. — No Name, Wilton

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you please print the information again on how to send coupons and other items to our servicemen overseas. Thank you. — F.L., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know about coupons. She isn’t sure that troops overseas would have any use for coupons, but perhaps you mean gift cards?

On Aug. 3 Sun Spots ran a letter about a local program from Maine Oxy’s M.O.S.T. The following excerpt from that letter tells you what items are needed and where to take them.

If you want to make a donation you can bring the following to your nearest M.O.S.T. drop box:

* Food (powdered drink mixes, nonperishable snacks, canned meats and pasta)

* Entertainment items (batteries, books/magazines, playing cards, pens, stationary)

* Supplies (wet wipes, eye drops, lip balm, toothpaste, feminine products, soap)

* Letters — a personal letter is the most powerful donation one person can make.

For information about where to find a drop box and specific items the troops need, visit www.maineoxy.com/most.htm. Drop boxes are in Auburn (22 Albiston Way, 784-5788 or toll free at 800-639-1108), Brewer, Rockland, South Portland and Waterville.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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