DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Optimist Clubs of Maine ask you to join them in picking up roadside trash any time from Earth Day, Wednesday. April 22, through Sunday, April 26. All you have to do to participate is commit to spending at least one hour picking up trash in your neighborhood. 

By volunteering to help, you could win a restaurant coupon for a meal from a local participating restaurant. Get your family, friends, schoolmates or neighbors to help you, then contact any Optimist Club member, email [email protected], or call 783 5269 for more information, to start an Earth Day Cleanup in your community, or to register to win a restaurant gift certificate. — George, Auburn

ANSWER: I’m so glad the Optimist Club is sponsoring this Earth Day Cleanup again this year. I think it’s quite rewarding to participate in an activity like this that gives Mother Earth some much-needed TLC on her special day. Of course, every day should be Earth Day. It does sadden and puzzle me to find so much detritus thrown on the ground even in my little neighborhood. You have to wonder about what’s behind that…

For those who don’t know, as a civic organization, the goal of Optimist Clubs is to have a positive impact on the lives of today’s youth. The men and women of Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Montello Heights at 550 College St. is having its Spring Craft Fair, Bake Sale and Garage Sale on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is open to the public. — Chris, Lewiston

ANSWER: I just wanted to give you all a quick reminder to support this event if you’re able. You may find a delicious goodie or a precious treasure!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Minot United Methodist Church at 142 Minot Ave., Minot, will have a public supper and game night April 18. The supper will be from 5-6:30 p.m. and feature beans, hot dogs, shepherd’s pie, mac and cheese, cornbread, salads, drinks and dessert. Donations are encouraged to cover the cost. After the supper, the public is invited to stay for cards and board games. — Steve, Minot

ANSWER: This sounds fun! I’m really impressed by all the ways communities are finding ways to enjoy themselves and stick together during these especially trying times. Keep it up!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Current Needs at the Drop-in Center at 121 Mill St. in Auburn are tents, tarps, backpacks, sleeping bags, men’s pants-all sizes, men’s summer shirts-all sizes, men’s boxers-all sizes, men’s boots and sneakers-larger sizes in good condition, Shaw’s white plastic bags, or a similar kind. — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: We appreciate you sharing the needs list with us. I know many Sun Spotters who want to help others in their communities. 

The Drop-in Center is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can always find updated information on needs here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=35581524881446235&set=g.716529479663868. 

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].