DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area collect soda can tabs? — Gerard, no town

ANSWER: I’m assuming you’re interested in collecting these tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House in Portland. I used to have a great contact for this but she has retired from that duty after 25 years of service.

Last year around this time, I was told Lisa Morin, who is involved with a local nonprofit group, had let me know she was willing to collect these tabs but I don’t have her contact information. My hope is that Lisa or someone who knows her will see this and contact me.

Meanwhile, you could contact the Ronald McDonald House and ask if a volunteer there could connect you with someone in L-A who could get the tabs (and other clean aluminum items) to the Ronald McDonald House at 250 Brackett St. in Portland, or you can deliver them.

Proceeds from recycling these tabs go toward helping care for families staying at the house while their critically ill child undergoes treatment. For more information, go to: https://rmhcmaine.org/tab-top-program/. They also have a list on their website of items you can donate such as packaged foods and cleaning supplies.

I believe the Shriners in Lewiston also collect tabs. Contact them at 782-6831 or email them at [email protected].

There may be other nonprofits that collect these aluminum tabs for fundraising so if you know of any, please chime in.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Maine-ly Harmony Women’s Barbershop Chorus will perform at the Methodist Church, 31 Highland Ave. in Gardiner on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. All donations will benefit the church. — Lea, no town

ANSWER: It’s always a treat to attend one of these performances. For more information about performances, go to https://www.maine-lyharmony.org/. You can also contact Dee at [email protected] if you’re interested in hiring them for a fundraiser, a special occasion or celebration, or joining the chorus.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Current needs at the Drop-in Center at 121 Mill St. in Auburn include men’s pant sizes 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and40; men’s sweatpants all sizes; women’s pant sizes 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8; men’s and women’s fall coats and hoodies; men’s and women’s gloves and hats; men’s boxers all sizes; bras and cami’s all sizes; clean blankets; rain ponchos, body wipes; flashlights with batteries; travel-size shampoo, travel-size tissue packs; Q-tips; and reusable bags, paper or plastic. Thank you for your generous donations. — Cindy, no town

ANSWER: Let’s clean out our closets and go to the Dollar Store then take these much-needed, much-appreciated items that we’re no longer using to the Drop-in Center. Yes, there are unhoused folks in Lewiston-Auburn who are searching for ways to get through these chilly nights. For more information, including ways to volunteer and more, go to the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/716529479663868 or to the website at
https://www.thedrop-incenter.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].