DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again the Sparkling Angelic Divas of Brunswick and Red Hat Chapters around New England will host the 18th Salvation Army Annual Toy Drive at the Auburn Mall center court by the giving tree on Friday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Please bring unwrapped gifts for children of all ages. There will be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and an opportunity to enjoy Christmas carols.

Come by for fun, laughter and to support a wonderful cause. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at jacquie123@comcast.net. — Jacquie, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Catherine of Sienna Church is once again opening its doors to the Oxford Hills community for a free Thanksgiving dinner at the church at 32 Paris St. on Thursday, Nov. 28. The meal, which will feature traditional Thanksgiving favorites, will be served at noon.

All Oxford Hills residents are welcome to attend, and reservations are encouraged to ensure enough food for everyone. Those wishing to join the festive gathering can make reservations by calling St. Catherine of Sienna Church at 743-2606. Meals can be delivered to shut-ins in the Oxford Hills area. Please call the church before Nov. 26 to make arrangements for delivery.

The church hopes to bring the community together for a warm, welcoming celebration of gratitude. Whether you are part of a family or an individual, all are invited to share in the spirit of Thanksgiving. — Sandy, no town

ANSWER: Thank you for doing this for the community. And thank you for signing off with, “Pray and hope. Go now, be calm. The Lord is merciful.” — St. Padre Pio. This quote made my day better.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Andwell Hospice Thrift Stores (formerly Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice Thrift Stores) will offer bonus hours from 4-6 p.m. every Thursday starting Nov. 7.

Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Thursday (versus 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Follow us on Facebook and if you are interested in volunteering, please email thrift.store@andwell.org.

ANSWER: The Thrift Store is fantastic — so clean, so well laid out, and so many choices. Be sure to stop in to shop, donate, and even take advantage of this opportunity to volunteer. You can check out photos of some of their recent items on Facebook, call 312-5092 for more information, or go to their website at https://androscoggin.org/ .

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the reader who wrote recently looking for someone to snowblow this winter (not plow), a contractor named Donald can be reached 240-5324. I hope this helps. — No name, no town

ANSWER: Thanks for helping a fellow Sun Spotter!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m searching for candied fruit so I can make fruitcake cookies but can’t seem to find it in local stores. Can you help me? — No name, no town

ANSWER: It’s possible that you may be looking too early. Wait until after Halloween then try again. Also, in some stores this item is in the produce section, while in others, it’s in the baking supply aisle. Also check the end caps and seasonal aisles. Be sure to ask the store manager, too.

If all else fails, Amazon and Walmart sell candied fruit as do online companies such as King Arthur Baking, Nuts.com, and Paradise Fruit Co.

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.