Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: A recent reader question about donating STUFFED ANIMALS brought a lot of wonderful responses. Here are just a few:

Sharon W. wrote: “I enjoy your column every day in the Charlotte Sun in sunny Port Charlotte, Fla. Many police and fire stations accept donations of stuffed animals. They pass them out to children in crisis situations as a comfort in their time of need. Hugs!”

Tom emailed from his cellphone: “In today’s Ventura County (Calif.) Star was a question about stuffed toys. Consider bringing them to the highway patrol. They like to carry cute toys to give to children at the scene of an accident. It can be comforting to have something to hug after the trauma of an accident.”

Dr. W. in Houston writes: “Check with police, sheriff and fire departments. The stuffed animals are carried in the trunks of the officers’ cars. Should there be a devastating situation (violence or fire), they give toys to children to comfort them at a time of crisis.”

Karen notes: “In Meadville, Pa., a judge collects the stuffed toys and hands them out to children who must appear in his courtroom.”

Thank you for the suggestions — I knew my readers would help out! Hugs! — Heloise SHOWER POWER Dear Readers: So many of you keep asking for the Heloise shower-cleaning formula, here it is again:

Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Add enough water to make a gallon. Pour some into a spray bottle and LABEL it clearly. Spray, let sit for a few minutes and then wipe. I have compiled my favorite vinegar hints in a handy and fun-toread pamphlet. If you would like to receive one, send $5 and a long, stamped (70 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. To order online, go to www.Heloise.com. — Heloise