ANSWER: Depending on how “well worn” the clothing is, a few places nearby do accept donations of clothing and shoes, but Sun Spots recommends calling them first to discuss how well your donation may meet their needs. The Goodwill Store and Donation Center on Turner Street in Auburn is a good place to start. You can reach them by calling (207) 783-1702. The Trinity Jubilee Center on Bates Street in Lewiston operates a “free room” along with a soup kitchen and food pantry for those in need who visit their day shelter. You can reach them by calling (207) 782-5700. There is also the St. Vincent de Paul Society thrift store located on Main Street in Lewiston. You can reach them by calling (207) 782-8309.

Back not so many decades ago, people reused plenty of items and it wasn’t unheard of for old, well-worn clothing to find new life as part of a quilt, furniture cover or apron, for instance. Nowadays, however, fewer people are willing to do the extra work required to take apart used clothing, wash, sanitize and prepare it for use as scrap fabrics.  Still, there very well may be a local artisan, church, school group or individual looking for ways to be thrifty with their projects who would accept such a donation. Sun Spots hopes any readers who are aware of such a need will send a note to let us both know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Gordon who was looking for a wooden desk chair, we have such a chair in very good condition, but cloth, not leather. It’s just missing one roller round wheel. It’s very comfortable. He can call and leave a message to meet and take a look at it at (207) 225-3343. — Sheila, Turner.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an oak office chair if Gordon is interested. He can call (207) 782-1843. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to Gordon on April 8, 2016, who is looking for a banker’s chair to go with his roll top desk, I have an old chair of that type and would be happy to discuss that with him. Call (207) 576-2413. — Robert, Poland.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here’s what we do to keep deer away from our hosta. In late fall, after all the hosta has been cleaned up, we sprinkle the ground with red pepper on and around the plant. In late winter or early spring, when there is still snow on the ground, sprinkle more ground red pepper on the snow over the plant before it starts to bud. You may have to reapply a few more times throughout the summer season. — Greg, No Town.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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