One of the things I like about people who volunteer their time for the Animal Orphanage in Old Town is that they always seem to come up with very creative ways to raise funds to keep that much needed, and much appreciated, operation up and running.

I recently received a letter from the Animal Orphanage’s president, Roberta “Bobbie” Fowler, asking that I remind readers of the group’s craft and regifting sale, which is 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Bangor Mall Community Booth.

It seems “there was a mix-up in the published date,” Bobbie wrote me, and she wants “to let people know the right date.”

And while we all know about craft sales, some of us may not understand the concept of a regifting sale, which Bobbie kindly pointed out.

Regifting, she explained, “is taking gifts that you have received but cannot use, or do not want, and giving them to us. We will sell them, at reasonable prices, and use the money for the animals in our care.”

Your regifted donations, she continued, “do not have to be in original packaging, but must be in good condition.”

And she added, “We are also accepting donations of craft items to sell” at this event.

Proceeds from the sale, Bobbie wrote, “benefit the stray animals that are in our care, waiting to be adopted.”

If you have items you wish to donate but cannot bring them to the Animal Orphanage, off Airport Road in Old Town, you are welcome to call Bobbie at 827-2658, and she will arrange to have your contribution picked up.

And if you can’t help the shelter in this way, or can’t get to the sale, you can take your returnable bottles and cans to Skeeter’s Redemption Center and Store, located at 614 Stillwater Ave. in Old Town.

The Animal Orphanage receives a 10 percent bonus on returnables credited to its account.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this organization, or joining its board of directors, Bobbie reports that you would be most welcome.

You can call her at the number above, or call 827-8777 for more information.

Finally, Bobbie reminds members that their memberships are due at the end of December and reports that, as is true with so many other organizations, the Animal Orphanage has “had a noticeable drop in donations since the Katrina disaster,” so member support is even more important this year.

Writing on behalf of U.S. Cellular, Kelly Whalen reports that business will provide free local and long-distance calls to the homeless from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, 26 Cedar St., in Bangor.

U.S. Cellular associates hope their effort will help reconnect area homeless individuals with families and friends across the nation during the holiday season.

Bill Rae and the staff of Manna Ministries in Bangor reminds readers “there are many things that you can do to help the entire family at Christmas,” and points out that Manna not only gives gifts to needy children, but to adults as well.

Families and individuals visit Manna and register for things they really need, such as a new pair of shoes, a flannel shirt, socks, gloves, hats, sweat pants or a snowsuit for a baby.

They also need such things as frying pans and other household essentials.

There are several ways that you can help make Christmas at Manna successful.

You can adopt a family; pick items from its Christmas tree; send a donation, designating it for Christmas 2005; or bring the items listed above, in all sizes, to Manna.

Manna’s regular hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility is located at the former Beal College, 629 Main St.

If you have questions, call Manna at 990-2870.

Barbara Higgins, scholarship chairperson for the Veazie Garden Club, has announced the club is offering a scholarship to a college student who resides in Veazie, Orono or Old Town, and who is currently enrolled in a horticulture program or a related field of study.

To apply, you must send your resume and a brief letter outlining your goals and why you would like to obtain this scholarship.

Your information must be received by Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, and can be mailed to Higgins at 1408 State St., Veazie 04401.

If you have questions about the scholarship, call 942-9648.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.