DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are writing to ask for help again for yarn donations from our communities. We are seeking only 4-ply yarn in all colors and in good condition for our volunteer knitters. They are knitting hats, mittens, baby items, lap blankets and afghans for the needy of all ages in Androscoggin County. The yarn is donated to our SEARCH Program and given to our knitters as needed.

We are also seeking new knitter volunteers who can knit for the community. If you love to knit and would like to join us as a volunteer knitter please contact us.

SEARCH, which stands for Seek Elderly Alone, Renew, Courage and Hope) is a program of Catholic Charities. For more information about donating yarn call our Auburn office at 207-784-0157 or email wrussell@ccmaine.org.

We want to thank the people in our community for past donations of yarn. We are so grateful.

— Wendy, director of Catholic Charities SEARCH Program, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for publishing the letters from children who are studying Maine. The first one I saw was last year from a child in McLean, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C., near where I lived for over 20 years. I knew how different children’s lives are there. I took some time composing a letter and included seasonal photos of my house, camp, ice fishing, wood-stacking, and other places and activities for children and families who do not live in a suburban area. I also included brochures from the local area. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hay rides at Shaker Village aren’t common in many states.

Now, each time you publish a new letter I just pull up my original letter and photos, modify them to personalize it for the new child and state, and mail it off! The children write very nice thank you notes; another great thing they are learning.

I’m interested to know how the children’s letters come to you. Do they write to The Lewiston Sun Journal directly or do they send their letters somewhere like to the Maine Tourism Bureau for forwarding? Thanks!

— No name, no town

ANSWER: I am just thrilled that you find answering the letters from students to be rewarding. I like doing it, too, and always will because I once was one of those students! These letters that I publish in Sun Spots are received at the paper. I believe teachers help the students look up the media outlets in the areas they want to study, then the letters are mailed in hopes they will be published so wonderful people like our readers will respond. Teachers do screen the letters and materials sent to the students.

Know that those kind people who are willing to take the time to send the students information about our beautiful state are taking part in a program that has successfully been in place for many, many years. I heartily encourage you all to help a youngster through this program!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding piano repair (Sun Spots, May 3), we have used Alex’s Piano Service. His website is alexanderpeppe.com. He can be reached at 207-400-6009. He is also on Facebook at AlexPeppePiano. He is very reasonable and very thorough.

— Elizabeth, Auburn

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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