DEAR SUN SPOTS: My brother and I are in need of help. He just recently found out that he is a father and now has custody of his baby daughter. He is having a rough time getting the items he needs.

I am a single mother completely restarting. I could really use household items like pots and pans and a frame for my bed, although through the kindness of others I have been able to furnish most of my apartment otherwise. — No Name, Winthrop

ANSWER: Sun Spots gets many letters similar to this one. However, she can only honor requests from nonprofits. Individuals in need can then go to the nonprofits for help.

The first step is to call United Way’s 211: “2-1-1 Maine is a comprehensive statewide directory of more than 8,000 health and human services available in Maine. The toll free 2-1-1 hotline connects callers to trained call specialists who can help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Finding the answers to health and human services questions and locating resources is as quick and easy as dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211maine.org.”

Second, if you live in Androscoggin, Franklin or Oxford counties, you can call Community Concepts. There are two regional offices:

* 240 Bates St., Lewiston, ME 04240, 795-4065

* 17-19 Market Square, P.O. Box 278, South Paris, ME 04281, 743-7716

And a satellite office in Wilton, which also houses Head Start and transportation offices:

* Bass-Wilson Building, 284 Main St., Wilton, ME 04294, 645-9512

Or if all of these are a toll call, please call 1-800-866-5588.

This reader, who is in Kennebec County, can call Kennebec Valley Community Action Program at 800-542-8227 or email at info@kvcap.org. KVCAP serves residents of Kennebec and Somerset counties.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am doing a college research paper on violent crimes in Lewiston-Auburn during the mid-1980s. Can you kindly notify me who was chief of police for Auburn during that era?

Also, who can I contact at Channel 6 WCSH news to get a transcription or DVD of a Fred Nutter commentary from 2000-2001?

Thank you. — Kevin, Warren

ANSWER: According to www.auburnmaine.gov/Pages/Government/Police-History, Peter Mador was the Auburn chief from 1973 to 1989.

As for the commentary, it is unlikely that video from that era would be online, but perhaps Fred has saved them. You can email communityrelations@wcsh6.com or write to Nutter, c/o WCSH 6, One Congress St., Portland, ME 04101, and see if they can help you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was sorry to hear that Tilton’s Market in Buckfield is closing. It has been my only source of supply for ground suet (necessary to make traditional Maine plum puddings). I would appreciate it if you or any of your readers know where I can find another source.

And while I’m asking for help, I’d be happy to pick up any one-pound metal coffee cans (in which the puddings can be steamed). Thank you for any help you can be with finding these items. — richardbeal68@yahoo.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Camp 44, which is for Litchfield, Sabattus and Wales, is a nonprofit organization and very limited on funds. While you are spring cleaning this year, please keep us in mind.

We are very crafty and can put almost any materials donated to good use — things like CD players, paper, K’nex/Legos, ladder ball, volleyball nets, clay, beads, balls, children’s music CDs, DVDs, cross-stitching, games, coolers, crafts and luau decorations.

Any items you can donate will be greatly appreciated by our campers. Please help our campers make memories this summer. Call me at 754-6607. — Tanya, camp director, tanya.ouellette@rsu4.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner will be holding its annual four-in-one sale of perennials, baked goods, yard sale and raffle items on May 18 in the vestry and parking lot of the church on Route 219 in Sumner.

We are looking for vendors who would like to rent a 10- by 10-foot space for $10. To reserve a space or for more information, please contact Peggy at 388-2074 or Paula at 515-2485. Thank you. — Cyndy Norton, norton@megalink.net

SAD LOSS: Sun Spots is sorry to report that All-Season Santa Ellis McKeen died March 19, according to an email from his wife. This very nice man, who was a retired disabled veteran, devoted his time to helping people claim lost funds or find people — and refused to take a penny. He helped many Sun Spots’ readers and will be much missed.

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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