DEAR SUN SPOTS: SHAREcenter, a nonprofit organization located in Lewiston, is having an indoor yard sale at 1830 Lisbon St. on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a wide variety of items for sale including clothing, holiday decor, household items, furniture, books and much more. Our thrift store will also be open.

Credit cards and cash will be accepted. The funds from this sale will help us meet our budget so we can continue our mission of rescuing items for teachers and nonprofits for use in their programs, instead of things being added to the waste stream. No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: The SHAREcenter is a fabulous resource that I have promoted through this column for years. Allow me to explain what it’s all about:

The organization’s mission is to rescue reusable resources by recycling, reducing and diverting waste while also supporting the needs and concerns of Maine’s environment, education and economy.

SHAREcenter recognizes the benefits of promoting a “circular economy” as a positive balance of our planet’s ecosystem and economy, leading to a better quality of life for our children and communities.

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SHAREcenter serves schools, nonprofits and some for-profit organizations through a school calendar membership program. These separate groups pay a nominal annual membership fee based on certain criteria. Once the membership is paid, staff are allowed to gather rescued items to supplement their needs at small or often no additional charge beyond their annual fee.

SHAREcenter was established almost 30 years ago and is a completely self-funded program, with revenue raised through memberships, grants, fundraisers and benefactors.

The program collects, organizes, and offers rescued materials such as arts and crafts supplies, office supplies, classroom materials, cleaning products, personal hygiene items, new clothing, school supplies and STEAM materials to members. They also redirect office, classroom and household furniture, along with housewares and much more, out of the waste stream and into the hands of Maine residents in need.

SHAREcenter partners with colleges and other businesses that do not want to throw away these still-valuable furnishings and supplies by redirecting these items to schools and nonprofits with specific needs. This not only helps members but saves donors thousands of dollars in disposal fees while alleviating the impact on our environment, creating a true win. For more information, check it out by visiting www.sharecenterme.org.

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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