DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the Dec. 16 Sun Spots, Gene from Lewiston asked about AARP assisting with tax returns again this year.

Services will be available at the same place and times as last year. Anyone who has questions can call 513-3170  and listen to the voicemail message for up-to-date information. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I am in contact with the wonderful people who organize this assistance and will publish more information sometime after Jan. 15. Until then, get your documents together and sit tight. AARP volunteers are gearing up to assist as many people as they possibly can with their returns.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone in Lewiston-Auburn who collects used Christmas cards?

And is there a French-speaking immigrant group that would welcome children’s French books and VHS movies? — Bernie, no town

ANSWER: For your greeting cards, check in with the SHAREcenter, located at 1830 Lisbon St. in Lewiston. They are currently setting up for the new year and should be open the week of Jan. 13. Call 333-6671 and leave a message or reach out to them through Facebook Messenger (www.facebook.com/auburnsharecenter)

This nonprofit organization rescues reusable resources and supports Maine’s environment, education and economy. Their members consist of schools and other educational organizations.

Another option where you can donate your holiday cards are SeniorsPlus in Lewiston (795-4010), retirement facilities, and preschools where residents and students can use the lovely graphics on the cards for collage and other craft projects.

Artists and craftspeople may also reach out to Sun Spots if they are interested in having these greeting cards. The cards are not as prolific now as they once were. Between the cost of postage and the cards themselves, as well as folks being too busy, it seems that the tradition of sending out holiday cards to friends and relatives is becoming a thing of the past.

I encourage people to make good use out of these while we have them and recreate something beautiful rather than toss them into the recycle bin.

As far as a new home for your French children’s books and VHS tapes, try reaching out to your local library, elementary school and church.

Other places that come to mind include Literacy Volunteers—Androscoggin in Lewiston ([email protected] / 753-6658); Maine Needs in Portland (www.maineneeds.org/contact); and Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston (trinityjubileecenter.org/contact/).

Readers, if you have any other ideas for Bernie, please let us know!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the reader who is looking for a VHS player (Jan. 1 Sun Spots) I was cleaning out my crawlspace recently and found one that I would gladly give to this person. — Joan, no town

ANSWER: I have passed your information along and will let you know if/when I hear back.

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