DEAR SUN SPOTS: Over the next several days, extreme temperatures are expected in our area. For someone living without air conditioning, or without a home at all, this kind of heat can quickly become a medical emergency.

That’s why Alter L/A Transitional Shelter at 70 Horton St. in Lewiston (Horton Street back entrance) is opening an emergency cooling center to provide a safe place to escape the heat. 

We will be open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. So if you know someone who is living outside, staying in a vehicle, doesn’t have reliable air conditioning, is elderly or medically vulnerable, and concerned about the upcoming heat, let’s do what this community always does best — look out for one another.

 We are also asking for donations of bottled water, watermelon, Popsicles, snacks, and any other goods to beat the heat.

Alter L/A  also invites readers to donate to our community programs. We need sugar, disposable forks, spoons, plates, bowls, salt and pepper, liquid hand soap, dish soap, Clorox wipes, and spray air freshener. 

Your donations help provide support, stability, and hope to individuals and families in our community. You may drop off these donations seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thank you for helping us build a stronger community. Together, we can change lives. — No name, Lewiston 

ANSWER: Thank you for providing a place where folks can come to be cool and to find community and hope. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: An Angel’s Wing at 1567 Lisbon St., Suite 1A, in Lewiston needs our community’s help right now.

We are facing an urgent need for a working refrigerator at Beth’s Place in Portland. Without a reliable refrigerator, our residents cannot safely store the food they depend on each day.

To donate a refrigerator to Beth’s Place, please contact Nikki at 714-0488.

If you are unable to donate this item, please consider making a financial contribution so we can purchase other urgently needed essentials.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with the women, children and families of An Angel’s Wing. Your compassion helps provide more than comfort. It provides hope. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: For more information or to donate, contact An Angel’s Wing at 241-0624 or [email protected].

When you replace your furniture and appliances with new ones, I must admit that’s it very easy to have the delivery people take the old items that are still in working order away. Instead, please consider finding a nonprofit organization to give them to, or if possible, offer these to an individual. Yes, it takes a little more thought and time, but the gratification of helping someone in need is worth it. 

I do know someone who would transport these larger items to their new home for a small fee so just let me know and I’ll share the information. 

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 [email protected].