DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Rumford Hospital Auxiliary will host its Annual Fall Sale at 209 Lincoln Ave. in Rumford, on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

This exciting sale will include assorted items, including small furniture, great choices in artwork, fall and Christmas decor, books, puzzles, craft supplies, and vintage decorative china cups and saucers. 

Join us for a fun event with an amazing selection of items at great prices. — Barbara, Rumford

ANSWER: I have a good friend who would be interested in that china. I’m going to call her right now! Have fun with the sale and as always, I hope it’s an enormous success. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Current needs at the Drop-in Center are tents, tarps, backpacks,  umbrellas, men’s and women’s hoodies and winter coats (especially sizes 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X), men’s and women’s warm socks, men’s boxers (sizes small, medium, large, 4X, 5X and 6X.), women’s underwear (sizes 5, 6 ,7 and 8), women’s bras (sizes 30, 32 ,34 and 36), men’s pants (all sizes needed but especially sizes 28, 30, 32, 34, 4X, 5X and 6X), men’s shirts (size small, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X, men’s and women’s sneakers and boots, men’s belts, men’s winter gloves, and reusable bags of any kind. 

A gentle reminder: please do not donate items that you wouldn’t use or wear yourself. Thank you for your continued support! — Cindy, no town

ANSWER: The Drop-in Center helps those in our community who are unhoused. This low barrier resource center serves a light breakfast and full lunch on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Toiletries, clothing, food and survival gear are offered to guests and all services are provided by volunteers.

Know that your donations are put to very good use and make such a difference. Items can be dropped off Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the back side door. You can also check the organizations’ Facebook page anytime for updates: at https://www.facebook.com/groups/716529479663868.

If you want to get involved as a volunteer, go to https://www.thedrop-incenter.org/ for information. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank the lady who wrote to Sun Spots (Sep. 18) to encourage folks to initiate conversations in waiting rooms, etc. I was at the hospital today for labs and there was an exceptionally long wait. I had a book with me but after just a few moments, a couple came in and the woman had a cast on her arm and was using a cane to walk. Because it was so busy and crowded, I offered my chair and we had a beautiful conversation. She was from the Philippines and her partner had traveled throughout Canada and Mexico. The lady casually mentioned her health issues but mostly, she told stories about her happy life and how grateful she was for those who are caring for her. 

The 30 minutes the three of us spent chatting was so interesting and it truly made my day. Thank you for reminding us that we are all human and need more connection in our lives. — No name, no town.

ANSWER: How lovely. Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope you’ll keep it up! 

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 11349 Portland, ME 04101-7349. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].