DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is seeking volunteers to join our wonderful team. Volunteers help transport patients within the hospital, assist with departmental projects, deliver flowers to patient rooms, greet patients, provide directions to departments, and more.

The only requirement is a desire to help others in a friendly and personable manner. If you would like to be part of serving the community in a meaningful way and can commit to volunteering two to four hours per week, please contact St. Mary’s Volunteer Services Department at 777-8368, or visit our website for an application at https://stmarysmaine.com/support-st-marys/volunteer-opportunities/. — Mariah, no town

ANSWER: If you have a positive disposition, enjoy helping folks, especially those who may be stressed and going through a difficult time, you could be the Sun Spot in their day. There are lots of varied tasks and it’s clear that there could be something to suit you. 

I cannot say enough about volunteering. Oftentimes, these positions can lead to a paid job if you’re interested, you will certainly make new friends and may even join forces with someone you already know. The most important thing is that you will be helping others in myriad ways. Yes, YOU could make a big difference in someone’s experience, day, and even their life. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Mary’s Surgical Associates is hosting a free community event focused on hernia awareness, evaluation, and treatment options Tuesday, April 7, at 5 p.m.

A bulge or discomfort in the abdomen or groin may seem like a simple strain, but it could be a hernia. Hernias are common and often treatable, yet many people are unsure what symptoms to watch for or when it is time to seek care. 

The evening will begin with a brief presentation from the surgical team covering common hernia symptoms, how hernias are diagnosed, and the treatment options available. After the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to receive a free screening from a member of the surgical team.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required and space is limited. Those interested can reserve a spot by visiting stmarysmaine.com/hernia. — St. Mary’s Surgical Associates, Lewiston

ANSWER: The address for St. Mary’s Surgical Associates is 93 Campus Avenue, Suite 401. The contact number is 777-8650.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For many years Sun Spots helped me collect tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Now as a volunteer at Andwell Hospice Thrift Store, 245 Center St. in Auburn, I hope you will let readers know about the  huge selection of quality, affordable clothing for women and men. Sizes range from very small to very large. 

Store hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4p.m., Thursday until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Mary Ann, Auburn

ANSWER: First, I want to thank you for all you do for our community. Folks like you, who volunteer, are what keeps things going! 

And yes, I’m always happy to promote and make readers aware of all the nonprofits we have in the area.

I recently wrote about Andwell Hospice Thrift Store. This is an awesome place to shop and to donate to. For more information, go to https://andwell.org/. 

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].