HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS:

With the holidays upon us and many Americans facing hardship from the devastating effects of the pandemic, now is the time to help those in need by donating to your city’s food bank.

The most wanted items that food banks are looking for include canned goods such as vegetables, beans, chili, soups, tuna and chicken. They also need cereal, rice, pasta, boxed macaOPINION roni and cheese, complete boxed meals, baby food, powdered milk, applesauce, bags of potatoes or apples and juice boxes. In other words, foods that have a long shelf life.

Personal hygiene products and toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc., are also in demand.

You can get into the spirit of giving by organizing a food drive at church or school using the covid-19 safety protocols of mask-wearing, social distancing and frequent handwashing.

Cash donations are always appreciated, too.

DEAR HELOISE: When I look up information on a website, I always perform two searches. Sometimes different information comes up the second time. It’s worth those extra few seconds.

— Terri in Indiana

Are you thinking about buying a house? Mortgage rates are low and house sales are up in most areas. Here are some terms and definitions you should become familiar with:

Contingent: An offer from the buyer has been accepted by the seller, but, if the house doesn’t pass inspection, or if the buyer can’t get a loan, the deal can fall through.

Pending: The seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, the contingencies have been met, but the seller could continue to show the property and take other offers as a backup plan. A buyer can hold out hope on a property if it’s listed as pending. Let the Realtor know you’re interested.

Under Contract: The seller has accepted an offer, but the sale is not yet final. The buyer must secure financing, complete the inspection process and other conditions that the buyer and seller have set forth. A contract can still dissolve, so the seller could be taking backup offers, especially a generous one or one with more favorable terms.

Knowing these terms will help you understand the home-buying process, hopefully making it easier and less stressful.

DEAR HELOISE: To make clothes whiter, bleach never really worked for me. I add ½ cup of Borax. What clean clothes. So fresh smelling, too!

DEAR READERS: