DEAR SUN SPOTS: The first Toys for Tots fundraising/vendor event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn.

The Marine Toys for Tots program is hosting this free event, which will feature more than 20 vendors available for your holiday gifting needs. There will be a children’s table with face painting and coloring.

The donation of unwrapped gifts is appreciated. A Maine Marine will be on-site to collect the donated unwrapped toys. — Nicole Dionne, nicolenjamie96@aol.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Knights of Columbus Councils of Auburn, Lewiston, Lisbon Falls and Norway are announcing their fifth annual “The Knights before Christmas” toy drive to benefit children in foster care and state care. We are asking for your help again this year.

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

Oftentimes, these children leave 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 your family’s faces.

Please, remember these innocent victims again 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.

We ask that as this season approaches, you look deep into your hearts and open them up to these children and their angel families. Please remember the reason for the season.

Please check the Check It Out section of the Sun Journal for our scheduled toy drives. Thank you to everyone for their past and future generosity.

For more information, call me at 353-2091. — Roger Roy, randcroy@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you please ask you readers if they would be willing to help make the holidays brighter for homeless youth this year?

New Beginnings distributes holiday gifts to more than 75 teens in New Beginnings’ shelter, transitional living and outreach programs each December.

We are looking for individuals and groups that would like to sponsor a holiday drive and collect gift bags containing new, full-size hygiene supplies, toilet paper, socks and gloves.

We are also seeking unwrapped gift donations of art supplies, alarm clocks, new men’s and women’s adult-size underwear and socks, new hooded sweatshirts (adults L-XXXL), and local fast food or grocery store gift cards in any amount.

Collecting these items would be he perfect winter service project for a youth/student group, church committee or employee club. Interested folks can find the holiday drive wish list on our website, www.newbeginmaine.org, or call 795-4077 for more information.

Thank you for your support. — Rachel Spencer-Reed, development director, rachel@newbeginmaine.org

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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