DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Drop-in Center kitchen needs clean takeout containers with lids. If you have any, please consider dropping them by the center at 121 Mill St. in Auburn on Wednesday or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is also an urgent need for blankets and camping gear, including tarps, tents, sleeping bags, rain ponchos and large backpacks. — Sue, Auburn

ANSWER: The items needed can be containers such as large yogurt or cottage cheese tubs — ones that you usually recycle, as long as they are clean and have a snug-fitting lid.

Are you replacing or upgrading your camping gear this summer? The center will accept what you no longer need.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A while ago, a reader asked about places to volunteer in the area. The Share Center is always happy to have volunteers come in and assist with the many essential tasks that keep the organization running. Some jobs include, but are not limited to, shelving donations in the store, assisting shoppers, receiving and sorting donations, organizing and labeling shelves, helping members load their materials, and assisting with special events.

If you would like to become a part of our volunteer team, please email Jonathan Carsley at [email protected]. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m happy to share this with readers. I also want to add that clean, gently used or new items can be dropped off at the SHARECenter at the Market Place Mall, 675 Main St. in Lewiston on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Items accepted include body wipes, Chapstick, combs/brushes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, hand/body lotion, shaving razors, sanitary pads and tampons, shampoo/conditioner, toilet paper (individually wrapped or multi-packs), toothbrushes/toothpaste, Advil packets, antibiotic cream, Band-aids, cough drops, masks, reusable bags, backpacks, blankets, can openers, flashlights, handwarmers, mittens and gloves, warm hats and scarfs, sleeping bags, tarps, trash bags, winter coats, socks (complete pairs), men’s underwear in various sizes, and women’s underwear in various sizes.

For information on becoming a member of the SHARECenter, go to https://www.sharecenterme.org/#

Thank you for supporting this “community helping community” nonprofit.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m a fan of Kaydenz Kitchen Food Pantry and want you to help me get the word out about their ”second-hand” store. It’s very nice! ALTER 207 is at 551 Lincoln St. and is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All proceeds help support Kaydenz Kitchen shelter services for the unhoused in Lewiston-Auburn. I saw on Facebook that they can use donations and paper shopping bags.

ANSWER: Congratulations to this organization on their new endeavor. Let’s support them by shopping and donating. Kaydenz Kitchen is a locally owned 501C3 nonprofit food pantry looking to help hunger needs within the community. They also deliver meal packages and emergency items to individuals with disabilities or transportation limitations.

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].