DEAR SUN SPOTS: This Saturday, Nov. 18, St. Mary’s Food Pantry will collect food and donations at Shaw’s Supermarkets in Auburn and Lewiston from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a school bus in front of each store to collect food that will be given to families in need in Auburn and Lewiston. A truck would be easier to load and unload but the bright yellow bus is eye-catching and helps draw attention to the collection and it has a much more symbolic meaning: St. Mary’s is collecting food to feed hungry families, including the many children who live in poverty. Thanksgiving is a special time for families, but for those without enough to eat, it doesn’t feel special.

Please buy an extra jar of peanut butter, box of pasta, a canned good, or any nonperishable food and add it to the collection bins at Shaw’s to be placed on the buses. You can also make a cash donation to any of our volunteers. Donations allow the pantry to buy food at a reduced rate through the Good Shepherd Food Bank and can be made any time to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, P.O. Box 7291, Lewiston, ME 04243. For more information, please contact the pantry at 513-3841.

— Bettyann, no town

ANSWER: I can’t say enough about the amazing volunteers and those who donate so generously to St. Mary’s Food Pantry. This organization serves over 1,000 people every week and relies solely on donations. As well as giving nonperishable items or sending a check, you can also donate money to buy food for those in need with a just a few clicks of the keyboard. Find the DONATE NOW link at: www.stmarysmaine.com/nutrition-center.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Minot Community Club would like to invite your readers to our annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Minot Consolidated School, 23 Shaw Hill Road in Minot.

Two dozen crafters will delight visitors with handmade items including painted signs, apparel and kitchen goods. Visit the “Kids Entrepreneur Area” where Minot Consolidated students will have their own creations on display. Stop by the “Fancy Clothing Boutique” where kids can choose a dress-up item for the holidays. All clothing is donated, so these items are free!

Visitors to the fair will also have a chance to enter a raffle to win a Christmas tree and over $75 in prizes. Vendor raffles will also be available, as well as food provided by Poland Regional High School’s Project Graduation team.

Artists and crafters are invited to support Minot Community Club and showcase their handiwork. A space costs $30 and includes a 2- by 8-foot space and two chairs. Tables and electrical access are available for an additional fee. For more information: 207-266-5033 or Russella3@gmail.com.

— Minot Community Club, Minot

ANSWER: Minot Community Club is a dedicated group of parents and teachers working together to support the academic and extracurricular growth of the students at Minot Consolidated School. Go Mustangs!

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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.