DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have two questions and I hope you can help as you have in the past. First, do you know of any place where we can find the “old-fashioned, strike-anywhere wooden” Ohio Blue Tip Matches?

Second, where can we find “flat” toothpicks? My last box of Diamond toothpicks is running low. As always, thank you for your help. — Fern, Norway

ANSWER: You may be able to find the matches you’re looking for at Walmart, Target, hardware stores such as Ace, and at Cabela’s. However, many manufacturers have discontinued them because they are now considered to be hazardous material by the USPS and other shipping entities so there is a very expensive surcharge involved.

Diamond flat toothpicks should be available at Walmart and most grocery stores. You can also order them on Amazon.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to send a big thank you to the kind gentleman who gave me some money to get my car registered. I forgot my checkbook and was a couple of dollars short on cash.  I will pay it forward! — Jan, no town

ANSWER: Spreading kindness around is such a wonderful thing for both the giver and the receiver. I was able to help a young couple at the grocery store the other day and it made me feel great. As Mr. Rogers always said, “Look for the helpers.” And being a helper is so rewarding. Every little thing matters.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I fell in a store parking lot recently and wanted to thank all the customers and staff who rushed to my aid. I had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. I’m in my 90s and had a dizzy spell. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground. I broke my wrist and displaced my knee. It could have been so much worse! Everyone was so incredibly kind, especially the woman with beautiful red hair and her teenage son. Even though I was in pain, I was also embarrassed but I soon got over that because of all the reassurance I received. For those who tended to me, thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless! — No name, no town

ANSWER: I’m so sorry to hear you were hurt. Yet you were surrounded by angels. Speaking from the experience of being in an auto accident and having strangers come to my aid, I’m so proud of all those who stopped what they were doing and gave you the help you needed. May you mend totally and quickly.

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].