DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few months ago, you wrote about an organization that picks up used medical supplies, refurbishes them and gives them to needy countries. I have lost that information. Could you please give publish it again?—Constance, no town

ANSWER: You are remembering Partners for World Health (www.partnersforworldhealth.org/medicalsupplydonations) at 40 Walch Drive in Portland. PWH collects donated medical supplies and equipment from medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, etc.), organizations and individuals.

You can contact the nonprofit organization at 207-774-5555 to make an appointment for a drop-off. On the web site, you will see a long list of what PWH accepts. I do not think it picks up items at this time, but you can ask.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Jan. 13 Sun Spots, Longfellow’s Greenhouses in Manchester has a wonderful selection of African violets, including minis. I have had great luck with all my indoor and outdoor plants purchased there, and going to Longfellow’s this time of year and spending time at the greenhouses is always therapeutic and makes me anxious to dig in the dirt.—Kris, Monmouth

ANSWER: It is very healing to walk through a greenhouse in winter. The lighting and fragrances are wonderful. Longfellow’s Greenhouses (www.longfellowsgreenhouses.com) is at 81 Puddledock Road and open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The telephone number is 207-622-5965.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a question about the gifts that contestants win on “The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune.” How many keep the prizes and, if they do, do they have to pay taxes on them? —Owen, West Paris

ANSWER: All winners on all game shows have to pay taxes based on the full retail value of the prize, so a lot of winners decide not to accept the prizes. Winners sometimes decide not to keep everything, using the cash value of a prize to pay taxes on another.

Winners need include all prizes as income on their tax returns. The IRS considers noncash prizes income that winners must report.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding ideas for the perfect cup of coffee (Dec. 30 Sun Spots), I limit my coffee to breakfast only and I find Folgers Coffee Singles to be perfect for my needs. It is real coffee in a tea bag. I use a 12-ounce mug and even get a warm-up from one bag, and there is no expensive machine. Just use the microwave or stove top to heat the water.

I would like to add that on the day after Christmas, my grandson got pulled over for a loud exhaust in Auburn. The officer said, “License, registration, and insurance please,” and went back to the cruiser. Minutes passed before the officer returned with something pink in hand. My grandson assumed he was receiving a ticket, but it was an envelope with a message from Secret Santa and $50. I want the officer to know that my grandson was very grateful and we have since repaired the exhaust. Thank you from Grandpa and his grandson.—No name, Leeds

ANSWER: I had forgotten about those coffee “tea bags.” They do come in handy. Thank you for sharing the story about your grandson, too. I sure am glad he did not receive a real ticket.

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 will not 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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