ANSWER: There are several nonprofit organizations that accept new toiletry items including:

Safe Voices, 484 Main St., Lewiston, 207-782-1785;

Tree Street Youth, 144 Howe St., Lewiston, 207-577-6386;

Trinity Jubilee Center, 247 Bates St., Lewiston, 207-782-5700;

Arbor House, CMMC, Main St., Lewiston, 207-795-2691;

The Root Cellar, 89 Birch St., Lewiston, 207-782-3659;

New Beginnings Community Services, 245 Lisbon St., Lewiston, 207-795-6831.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for answering my recent letter regarding the homestead exemption issue; however, I did have the information that you gave. My question actually is: Did any change actually pass and if so when and how will it take place? Thanks again. — Bill Pollard in South Paris.

ANSWER: The budget passed in June increases the current homestead property tax exemption from $10,000 to $15,000 in 2016.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The High Peaks Alliance is a volunteer, non-profit organization made up of local hunters, hikers, birders, loggers, fishermen, snowmobile and ATV riders, Maine Guides, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, and others working together since 2007 to ensure continuing public access to Maine’s High Peaks Region for residents as well as visitors. If you would like to volunteer time or expertise for work on a project, contact highpeaksallianceinfo@gmail.com. Financial contributions can be mailed High Peaks Alliance, P.O. Box 98, Strong, ME, 04983.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve always wanted to participate in a butterfly release in memory of my mother who passed away. Are there any organizations that do this that are open to the public? Thank you. — No Name, No Town.

ANSWER: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice holds a Butterfly Release Celebration to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a butterfly. The 2015 Celebration will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, at The Hospice House on Stetson Road in Auburn. Rain date is Aug. 9. Guests will share memories, enjoy music and light refreshments. The highlight of the celebration will be the mass release of hundreds of butterflies.

All community members are welcome to dedicate a butterfly in memory of a loved one. No prior affiliation with hospice is needed. Dedications include the release of a butterfly and the names of those being honored will be read at the event and listed in the program booklet. There will also be a raffle table as well as kids’ crafts the day of the event. The celebration begins at 11 a.m. Butterfly dedications are $25 each, one name per butterfly, and all proceeds directly support Hospice patient care and family support services for those in need. Dedications must be received before July 24 for inclusion in the program booklet.

For more information, contact the AHCH Development Department at Development@ahch.org or 207-795-9428.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.