DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you please let your readers know that New Beginnings would like their help in giving local homeless youth a happier holiday this year? We are looking for individuals and groups that would like to sponsor a gift drive for New Beginnings teens.

Specifically, we need to gather 80 gift bags, each one filled with hygiene items (new full-size shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), toilet paper, new socks and gloves, and grocery gift cards.

Collecting these items would the perfect winter service project for a youth/student group, church committee or employee club.

Interested folks should contact me at 795-4077 to get the complete wish list for the holiday drive. Thank you! — Rachel Spencer-Reed, program development director, New Beginnings, rachel@newbeginmaine.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As a co-chairwoman of the YWCA Christmas fair, I’m asking your readers if they have jewelry, attic treasures, Christmas decorations or craft items that they’d consider donating to the Nov. 24 fair at the YWCA on 130 East Ave. Items can be left at the YWCA, or I will pick them up.

The YWCA is also a vital part of area communities, and your readers’ support is greatly appreciated. Thanks. — Mary Ann Norcross, norc@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the article in Sun Spots from the person having problems with their electric fireplace (Oct. 18), we also have an electric fireplace and our motor also quit.

My husband took the motor out of the fireplace and on it was a telephone number to call. The company was so nice that they sent us a whole new motor at no charge, and they paid the postage. Couldn’t ask for any better service than that. — D.C., Henderson, Nev.

ANSWER: Sun Spots is very excited to have a response from someone so far away. The Internet and sunjournal.com at work!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How does one go about singing the national anthem at the Maineiacs hockey games? — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not understand your question. For one thing, the Maineiacs left Lewiston at the end of last season, so there won’t be any games for which there is a need to sing.

Second, as for singing, do you mean because “The Star-Spangled Banner” is difficult to sing? If that’s the issue, Sun Spots suggests just standing silently when the notes go too high, or you could just mouth the words at the difficult parts.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for some Lincoln logs if anyone would sell them at a reasonable price. My son enjoys building with them, and I’m looking for some more for him to play with. — Penny Haslett, Oxford, 743-5077, jhaslett1@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the question about the horse stable in the Tall Pines location (Oct. 10), if my memory serves me right, that was a wooded area. The stable was at the fairgrounds. They had horse races there, and, yes, there was a big fire that destroyed the stable and, I believe, some of the horses died in the fire.

I asked some of my friends about my recollections, and they agreed with me. — Jackie McMorran, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding your list for companies that ship citrus. My mom had a place in Florida for years, not far from Hale Groves, and often sent their packages for special occasions. Every package arrived in excellent condition, and the contents were near-perfect specimens and delicious. I cannot vouch for all their products but would recommend them to friends. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank the readers for their generosity in sending their Box Tops for Education to benefit Turner Elementary School and Tripp Middle School. If you have any Box Tops or Campbell soup labels that you would like to donate to our school, please mail them to me at 5 Brookfield Estates, Turner, ME 04282. Thank you! — Laurie Labbe, laurie.labbe@willis.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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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