DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the letter about greeting cards (April 14), I have in excess of 300 Christmas cards that have not been used. I have reached out to the readers who asked for greeting cards whose names you provided a few weeks ago but have not resolved the issue.

My purpose was to try to receive some monetary value if at all possible for these cards. Thank you. — Don, New Hampshire

ANSWER: The ladies who were looking for greeting cards wanted used ones for free for crafts, as does St. Jude’s (that column is at http://tinyurl.com/mvho8za).

Sun Spots gets lots of letters from people who want to sell things in the column, but they aren’t allowed. They need to buy a classified ad or use an online service such as eBay or Craigslist.

You can sell an item to another reader if someone is looking for something they cannot find through normal channels and requests the item in the column. The next letter is an example of that.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My son is getting married, and I don’t have a dress. I live in a nursing home, so it’s hard to shop.

If anyone has a dress, size 20, that is good for a semi-formal wedding they would sell cheaply or give away, I would appreciate it. — Nancy, 207-2405968

ANSWER: This letter was a tough call for Sun Spots. The rule is that only charities can request free items. However, any reader can ask for things of little or no value. This would be items that are not really saleable or would sell for very little.

Sun Spots doesn’t see used clothing as having a lot of value, but she guesses it could. In this case, Nancy did offer to pay, so the final agreed-upon amount is up to her and anyone who has the dress she seeks.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few months ago there was a letter from someone wanting magazines to take to nursing homes.

I did call the number and took some Woman’s World, Family Circle, Reminisce and Woman’s Day as suggested, but I lost the number of this lady. I was wondering if she is still collecting these magazines.

What a wonderful thing she did. How can I get in touch? Thank you. — J.A. Whary, Livermore

ANSWER: That Oct. 3 request was from No Name, Auburn, 784-3803. Sun Spots called, and she is still taking magazines.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing to see if any of your readers has some puzzles they can donate to Healy Terrace. Tenants do puzzles daily. They keep our minds sharp and are fun to do. We are very low on puzzles and anything would be appreciated. — Linda Twitchell, twitchelllinda@yaho.com, 207-784-5826

ANSWER: Healy Terrace is income-based senior housing at the corner of Ash and Bates streets, right behind the Sun Journal. It does not technically qualify as a charity, but perhaps someone will want to trade puzzles? That way both parties will benefit, and everyone will have a new project to complete. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m really interested in the rocks and minerals in Maine and plan on being a geologist when I’m older. The thing is, I don’t have any rocks or books to study with. I was hoping someone could donate the supplies I need. Thanks. — Lily, age 11, Mechanic Falls

ANSWER: You should start by visiting your local public library. Even if they don’t have the books you want on hand, they can order them for you through the Maine statewide system (http://minerva.maine.edu).

As for rocks, they are pretty much free, except gems, which you can’t ask for in the column, as they have value. Time to take a walk outside.

And soon you will be able to visit the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, which is designing displays now. You can check it out online at www.mainemineralmuseum.org. The museum is at the Mt. Jewelers building, 57 Main St. in Bethel.

The website says they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although the exhibits are not yet complete. Ask your parents to take you!

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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