DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is the time of year when people are decluttering and culling their Christmas décor and other holiday items. Fairbanks Union Church in Farmington is willing to take them. We will collect all Christmas items, including ornaments, trees, wreaths, garlands, lights, linens, dishes, books, music, village scenes, inside and outside decorations, ugly Christmas sweaters, anything Christmas!

We will accept Christmas items all year for our sale that takes place in November. We had such an overwhelming response from Sun Spots readers last year and we are very thankful to all of you who donated items.

For more information, please call Cindy at 491-4017 or Carole at 860-6334. The church is at 583 Fairbanks Road in Farmington. All proceeds from this sale go to our mission and outreach program. — Cindy, Farmington

ANSWER: This announcement is so timely, especially since I was just puttering around gathering my holiday decorations the day I received this letter, and of course I thought of you folks.

I encourage everyone who has “too much of a good thing” Christmas-wise to call the church and arrange to drop off your no longer needed/wanted items. Of course, you’ll want to give only things that are still in good shape and working, with all the parts and pieces intact.

I love that this church holds this unique and special sale year after year and that it is a success for them. I encourage everyone involved to keep up the good work!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United Methodist Church of Auburn at 439 Park Ave. will hold its Bean Supper on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m.

The menu will include baked beans, casseroles, hot dogs, cole slaw, breads, beverages and homemade pies.

Entertainment will be provided by the Park Avenue Pickers, beginning at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact the church office at 782-3972. — Steve, Minot

ANSWER: I’m sure the community is happy to have these dinners back!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was in Goodwill a few days before Christmas and saw a Barbie house in very good condition on sale for $20. I really wanted to get it for my granddaughter but the past few months have been financially challenging and I really couldn’t afford it until the new year.

There was a customer near me looking at other toys and she asked me if I had a little girl. I told her that yes, I had a granddaughter and would love to get the house for her but added that I would have to wait. She expressed her concern that the house would get snatched up right away. We chatted for a few more minutes then she wandered off.

A few minutes later, a clerk came and said that the Barbie house would be waiting for me by the counter and someone would help get it into my vehicle if needed.

Yes, the woman I had chatted with had paid for it and left a note at the counter, “A long time ago, someone gave my daughters a Barbie house and I have always wanted to return the favor. Merry Christmas to you and your family. an Elf.” — Marie, no town

ANSWER: What a lovely little Christmas story. Thank you for sharing!

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.