DEAR SUN SPOTS: There is a lovely Christmas carol I keep hearing on the radio but never catch the name of it. It is set to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” and there are children singing. It has become a favorite. Can you find the title and find out more about it?

— Karen, no town

ANSWER: I love that beautiful Christmas song, too! It has actually brought tears to my eyes on many occasions. “Christmas Canon” is performed by the Tran-Siberian Orchestra. The lyrics were written in 1998 by the late Paul O’Neill, producer, composer and founder of TSO, and set to Johann Christoph Pachelbel’s music. I think the German composer, who walked this earth in the 1600s, would be very pleased with the results.

“Christmas Canon” is on TSO’s albums “The Christmas Attic,” released in 1998, and “The Lost Christmas Eve,” released in 2004. These CDs are available on Amazon and at several big-box stores. If your local music store doesn’t have these in stock, they should be able to order it for you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to Don who was looking for a place to donate his wife’s clothing (Dec. 14 Sun Spots), St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store also accepts clothes. The number is 753-1555.

— Linda, no town

ANSWER: St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is at 276 Main St. in Lewiston. Store hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. They accept clothing for children and adults and have a special need for winter coats in toddlers’ and men’s sizes.

The store also needs sheets, blankets and quilts. Many of the immigrants in our community have come here from a very warm, dry climate and are experiencing a Maine winter for the first time, so if you have extra winter clothes and warm bedding, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store will make sure it gets to those who need them. Items are sold for a few dollars and there is also a voucher program for those who are unable to pay.

Funds brought in from the sale of clothing at the store go toward utilities and other operating costs, two $2,000 college scholarships to area students, and to other local charities that help with essential needs such as food and clothing.

Thank you for this, Linda! Sun Spots appreciates this addition to the Rolodex!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for letting Michael ask questions about the YMCA criteria for recognition. It brought to mind how pleased I was when I read the names of this year’s honorees. Each one that I recognized had been instrumental in developing and staffing programs that have kept the YMCA doors open. Isn’t that wonderful and deserving of recognition? Without dedicated staff and volunteers who step up whenever asked, organizations could not serve our community.

— Mary Ann, no town

ANSWER: How true that is, Mary Ann! I’m looking forward to sharing more about the upcoming Hall of Fame event. Meanwhile, our positive thoughts are with the staff and volunteers of the Y who are working tirelessly to get things back to normal after the flooding in the fall.

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.