DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity Store is looking for donations of new and/or gently used building materials, appliances, cabinets, lighting, furniture and more.

Whether you are cleaning out your garage or basement or upgrading your kitchen or bath, we would love to receive your tax-deductible donation. We offer pickup for those who need it.

100 percent of the profit from our store supports Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity’s mission to eliminate poverty housing in Androscoggin and parts of Oxford counties.

We are located at 1967 Lisbon Road in Lewiston and can be reached at 786-2598. Thank you for your support! — Kim Veilleux, Androscogginhfh@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am homeless and have been living in my SUV since September 2012 when I started truck-driving school. I paid for it myself and got my Class B license in January, but I couldn’t find a job.

So I went back to school for my Class A license. I need practice on my parallel parking.

Does anyone know where I can get a grant or donations for gas money so I can get to school? My Class A permit runs out the in the middle of May. I have my hazmat, tanker, double-triple endorsements.

I do work, but I don’t make enough now that I have a car payment. I don’t get any help from the state. — Kathy, Gray

ANSWER: Sun Spots is getting an increasing number of letters from people who are having a hard time. However, Sun Spots has no way of weeding out legitimate need from scams, so individuals cannot ask for donations through the column.

However, she can try and refer people to government and charitable programs that may be able to help them.

Kathy should ask at her school about financial aid. Sun Spots does not know specifically about truck-driving schools, but most technical schools and colleges have personnel who are well-versed in financial aid options.

Charitable resources can be accessed by calling 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.”

An option for locating available social services in Androscoggin, Franklin or Oxford counties is 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, call 800-866-5588.

Finally, she might inquire at her town office. Municipalities may have funds to help or know of local sources of which Sun Spots is unaware.

Sun Spots doesn’t know how Kathy managed to survive this horrendous winter homeless. Perhaps a place to live is the first order of business?

If readers have any ideas for assistance for Kathy or others who are struggling, please write to sunspots@sunjournal.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a 5-foot artificial fir Christmas tree along with lights and decorations that I’d like to donate to a nonprofit. Thank you. — viva@gwi.net, 207-783-0904

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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