DEAR SUN SPOTS: This past Sunday morning there were two vehicles with plows going around our Lewiston neighborhood and beyond helping everyone remove snow from the end of their driveways.

As a senior citizen who is getting to the end of his snow-clearing days, I sure did appreciate this bit of help and the two young men even looked like they were enjoying themselves. They both gave me big smiles and waved when I opened the door to thank them.

Some things never change — guys like being out in their trucks clobbering the big snow banks! — Jack, Lewiston

ANSWER: Yes, they do! And because there hasn’t been much snow to push around in quite a while, I’m sure these two good Samaritans had an extra good time. Bless their hearts!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a few stuffed toys in good shape left from when my daughter was young. She is now in her 50s and doesn’t want them. Is there a way that they could go to some other children? I am afraid that since they can’t be sanitized, they will have to be thrown out and that would be shame. Thanks for checking into this for me. — No name, no town

ANSWER: Are there going to be any grandchildren coming down the pike one day? My grandchildren adore their mothers’ much-loved stuffed animals and dolls.

If that’s not the case and you truly want to find new homes for these items, there are a few organizations you can contact to see if they would like them.

Because they are considered to be “vintage” (don’t tell your daughter I wrote that!) it may be that a collector would also be interested, especially if they are in good condition.

As far as sanitizing the items goes, some stuffed toys can be placed in a pillow case and washed in a washing machine on the cold-water delicate cycle then air-dried. Other items can be scrubbed gently with a bit of soapy water and a soft brush then left to dry.

Places I think of right away that may take the stuffies and allow other children to enjoy them are the children’s room of your local library, a preschool, or the nursery at your local church.

Another new home for these toys may be at An Angel’s Wing Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps those struggling with substance abuse. They run a thrift store located at 1567 Lisbon St. in Lewiston. You can call them at 241-0624 or send them a question through their Facebook page.

You can also call Hidden Treasures, a thrift store at 850 Lisbon St. in Lewiston. The number is 375-8399.

Both nonprofits also have many options for those who want to donate, volunteer, and give to the communities they serve.

Those are places to check into to get you started. Readers, if you have other suggestions, please write in.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding your column about Amato’s on Jan. 26, our family has been the recipient of a sandwich kit and we were very pleased with it. All the ingredients were perfectly packaged and fresh. We live in Maryland now, so this gift was a wonderful taste of “home.” – June, Winchester, Maryland.

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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