DEAR SUN SPOTS: Kaydenz Kitchen would love your support by sharing this information to help spread the word!

A story of triumph through tragedy. Over the past six months, our location at 551 Lincoln St. transitioned from a place where lives were lost to a place that saved lives. With the Emergency Warming Center closed, we’re rolling out the next phase of our long-term shelter plan, a community-based thrift store, Alter 207 with all proceeds going to support shelter resources for the Lewiston-Auburn unhoused community. Our goal is to create a self-sustainable shelter model that reduces the burden on taxpayers and allows charity to be a choice.

Upon establishment of the permanent shelter facility, our objective is to utilize the thrift store as a vocational training program that enables shelter residents to develop marketable skills and reenter the workforce.

We have five months to test this model before our lease expires. Kaydenz Kitchen has gone all in with our commitment to long-term transitional resources to help address the chronic homelessness in our community.

Help us help them. Donations are accepted during our hours of operation, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed from 2 to 3 p.m. for lunch), and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ANSWER: These folks have worked very hard to make this dream a reality. I’m so impressed by what they’ve accomplished. Stop by, donate, and see what else they need. You can be part of an exciting, healing movement to encourage others and make a difference in their lives. This project is a perfect example of finding your niche and giving it your all.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The High Street Food Pantry at the Auburn United Methodist Church at 439 Park Avenue in Auburn, has on-going need for the following items: peanut butter, toilet paper, pasta sauce, canned meats, baking items (mixes, sugar, flour, etc.), and soup.

Thank you  for supporting this mission and helping local people meet their most basic needs. Please drop off your donations or contact the church office at 782-3972. — George, Auburn

ANSWER: I encourage all nonprofits with food pantries/banks to let Sun Spotters know what your needs are. Our readers have hearts of gold and are always looking for a way to help others in the community. So don’t be shy about asking. Together, we can make a difference as we keep the flow of goods and services going.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Fairbanks Union Church in Farmington is still collecting 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 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 located at 583 Fairbanks Road in Farmington. All proceeds from this sale go to our mission and outreach program. — Cindy, Farmington

ANSWER: Keep this in mind as you are spring-cleaning, and spread the word.

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].