DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s not too late to arrange to have your Christmas tree picked up. For the seventh straight year, the Auburn-based Boy Scout Troop 121 will pick up Christmas trees Lewiston and Auburn. While both cities provide several locations to bring trees for disposal, they no longer collect them at curbside.
For a minimum donation of $5, the scouts will pick up Christmas trees Jan. 5 and 6. Trees should not be placed curbside until the morning of Jan. 5.
Money raised by this program stays local and goes directly to troop scouting activities. Troop 121 was created to help give youth with special physical, mental and emotional challenges the opportunity for success in a safe scouting environment that builds character, encourages citizenship, teaches life skills and develops personal fitness.
To make a pickup request, send a donation by Jan. 3 to Troop 121, United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave., Auburn, ME 04210. The troop will send a tag to place on the tree at the curb. For more information about this program or the troop, call 207-783-0790.
— Don, no town
ANSWER: What a help this is to those people who need it. Great idea, Troop 121! I love it!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have many craft supplies and some fabric that I would like to donate to a school classroom or Sunday school class for the children to do crafts. Call 207-562-8160 evenings for an appointment to pick out what you would like.
— No name, Rumford
DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Mary’s Nutrition Center is home to a food pantry, cooking-centered nutrition education programs for all ages and in schools, job training for teens, year-round farmers’ markets, and the Lots to Gardens program, which uses urban community gardens to create access to local food, empower youth, and build community.
Looking back over 2018, we are grateful and inspired as we see young people stretching out of their comfort zones to flex their leadership skills; community members growing beautiful food together in 19 gardens across Lewiston and Auburn; and elementary students learning and laughing in their school gardens and Food Clubs. We also see strangers cooking healthy meals together; neighbors teaching each other where to find local food; and people from all walks of life helping each other out even when facing their own difficulties.
There is great joy to be found in joining together to nourish our community through food, connection, and a sense of belonging. We want to thank everyone for your partnership in growing a more equitable food system and vibrant community. Please consider supporting our work by donating, volunteering, or by contributing to our wish list which can be found on our website at https://www.stmarysmaine.com/nutrition-center/st-marys-nutrition-center.
If you feel called to volunteer or have wish list items you can donate such as office supplies, food pantry items, formula, disposable diapers, and cooking utensils, please contact us at 207-513-3848 or nutritioncenter@stmarysmaine.com.
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Being part of this dynamic organization through your contributions is a wonderful way to reach out to others, learn something new and get involved in the community.
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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.
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