DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you find out if there will be a Seed Giveaway this year? There was one in Auburn last March. In 2024, it was held on the second floor of the City Hall in Auburn, and last year, it was held at the Drop-in Center at 121 Mill St. on March 28. The library also had packets of seeds you could choose from.

I can’t remember who sponsored this giveaway, but I do know the seeds were all provided by Pinetree Garden Seeds on the Lewiston Road in New Gloucester. 

There was also a man giving away canna lilies from his own garden. I think he worked for the road department. 

I have not seen anything announcing an event this year, but it’s a fantastic way to get people interested in gardening. — Janet, no town

ANSWER: I haven’t seen any announcements either, but I believe the city of Auburn’s Community Development team spearheaded the event last year. You can call City Hall at 333-6601. I didn’t see anything on its website or the Drop-in Center’s website, but that doesn’t necessarily mean something isn’t happening.

Check with the library too. They should at least have seed packets there like they did last year. Readers, if you have information, please share it with the rest of us! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Current needs at the Drop-in Center at 121 Mill St. in Auburn are men’s and women’s hoodies in all sizes, men’s pants, men’s shirts in size small, men’s gloves, men’s and women’s belts, blankets, backpacks, tarps, and hand warmers.

Thank you for all the generous donations that we’ve been receiving! — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: The Drop-in Center is a low-barrier resource center welcoming their unhoused neighbors. A light breakfast and full lunch are served within the hours above and toiletries, clothing, food, shower time, and survival gear are available for guests.

Volunteers provide all services. The surrounding communities support the program through donations of many kinds and those involved strive to build a safe community that welcomes everyone. 

Items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The door for donations is on the left side of the building near the back by the ramp.

For more information, go to the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/716529479663868 or to their web site at https://www.thedrop-incenter.org/. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the request for dog sitting in the March 15 Sun Spots, we can do pet sitting and have had our pet business for years! We can be contacted at 520-4938. — Donna and George, no town

ANSWER: Thanks for letting us know. It would be great to have the names of several reliable, flexible pet sitters who work throughout our readership area for the Rolodex. Please send in your recommendations, and if you are a pet sitter, please give us your information so it can be shared. 

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