DEAR SUN SPOTS: It seems impossible to find this information online so I’m hoping a veteran may have the answer.

During World War II, were families able to send packages to soldiers overseas? This information is to be included in a memoir. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I’m asking WWII vets to share their stories on packages sent from home while they were serving during those years. You can also get more details and stories by reaching out to Maine Veterans Services at https://www.maine.gov/veterans/resources/index.html . Or how about speaking with your local librarian?

Packages and letters were sent to loved ones fighting in the war, but there was no guarantee that they would actually get to the service member in one piece and sometimes the mail took weeks to get to the recipient.

I’ll share a personal anecdote with you about a woman named Heidi, who passed away a few years ago. She once told me the story of being a small child in Germany during the war. One night she was near the railroad tracks with her siblings gathering coal when an American soldier walked up to them and shared the contents of his Christmas box sent to him by his family.

There were cookies and fruit in the package and it was the first time this little girl had ever tasted an apple. I’ve never forgotten this story.

Eventually, Heidi married an American, came to the states, and settled in Maine. She was a Sun Spotter for many years!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m in the process of moving and have items to give away to anyone who would like to pick them up.

I have a dining room table and chairs, futon, pictures, candle and holder, a two-drawer metal filing cabinet, bedroom set and a recliner. You can reach me at 615-3203. — Diane, East Livermore

ANSWER: Let me know if you have any items left over after Sun Spotters read your letter. I can help you find places to donate them, if needed.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Saturday evening, March 2, my wife and I went to Gipper’s in Auburn for supper. The tables were mostly full, with only enough room between them for the busy waitstaff to squeeze through.

There were two couples at the table beside ours and my wife started a conversation with them. She’s the talker, I’m the bump on the log. We (mostly she) talked and joked with them while we waited for our meal, which, when it came, was enough for us that night and for lunch the next day.

The other couples finished eating before we did and said goodbye.

When we asked the waitress for our tab, she said that another customer had paid our bill. I had her repeat it to make sure I had heard her right. I asked her if it was the people we were talking with and she said, “Yes.”

Wow! What a surprise! Thank you so much. I hope you wonderful people read Sun Spots and know that we are grateful for your kindness and will pass it on. — Paul and Rose, Poland

ANSWER: What a lovely letter! Everyone deserves a surprise like this one. It sounds like you had a fantastic evening.

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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