DEAR SUN SPOTS: Gather to Grow has begun Community Garden sign-ups. This is an opportunity for returning and new gardeners to sign up for a garden plot. New gardeners are encouraged to first fill out an interest form at https://tinyurl.com/48xpe6ph.

There are three Auburn locations: 61 Webster St., 88 Newbury St., and 115 Whitney St. 

Priority is given to returning gardeners each year, but there are always available plots for new gardeners. The garden season runs from May to mid-October. 

Other upcoming Gather to Grow events to put on your calendar are Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22; April and May Community Meals; and on Sunday, May 10, the Lewiston Farmers’ Summer Market at 75 Lincoln St. will open for the season. 

For more information, go to https://gathertogrowmaine.org/. To donate, go to https://givebutter.com/gathertogrow . — No name, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Andwell Hospice Thrift Stores support compassionate care and we are requesting donations to our hospice thrift stores throughout the state.

When you donate to one of our hospice thrift stores, you’re doing more than clearing space, you’re helping provide comfort, dignity, and care to patients and families during life’s most meaningful moments.

Your new or gently used items turn into compassionate care for those who need it most. Net proceeds generated from donated items directly support patients receiving care through our Andwell Hospice program, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured, enabling them to have access to compassionate, high-quality services regardless of their financial circumstances.

Items we welcome for donation include clothing, shoes, and accessories (no undergarments or socks please), furniture (please call ahead for larger pieces to see if we have space capacity), home décor, books, CDs, DVDs, kitchenware, craft supplies, jewelry, and lamps in working condition.

If you have questions on what we accept, please email [email protected] or call one of our stores.

Note that when we receive items that are torn, broken, stained, or too dirty to be properly cleaned, we are required to dispose of them in our dumpsters. This creates additional costs for our business and directly impacts our bottom line.

Remember, your donations bring comfort and your generosity brings hope.

Donate today and turn your gently used items into compassionate care for families in need. 

The Auburn Thrift Store is at 245 Center St., Auburn, with phone number: 312-5092. Operation hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donation drop-off hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. — Jenny, no town

ANSWER: If you haven’t been to this thrift store, you must go. The items are beautifully curated and displayed, and the all-volunteer staff are helpful and knowledgeable about items in the store and what donations sell well. Over the years, I have found beautiful clothing and household items. 

If you want to be involved in more than just donating, the thrift stores are always looking for volunteers. To inquire, email [email protected]. And to find out more about Andwell Health Partners, 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].