KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox Average Jane needs to talk to debt counselor

Dear Annie: I am your average Jane, married with a child, with a modest house and midsize car. I also have about $10,000 in credit card debt, $20,000 in student loans, and I can't keep track of all the medical bills I owe. My husband and I make just slightly too much to qualify for food stamps or other assistance.
I watched an infomercial about a book that has government grants available to help people like me. They wanted $49.95, plus shipping and handling. If I had an extra $50, I wouldn't be in this mess. I have searched online at the library and can only find information about grants for scientific research and starting a small business.
Is there any way I can get this information for free, or do these programs not really exist? I'd like to know before I consider shelling out $50. Average Jane
Dear Jane: Government grants are generally given to organizations working on public-service projects, not to individuals in debt. There are no federal assistance programs that will take care of your student loans and medical bills. You need to talk to a debt counselor at your local bank or someone at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) at (800) 388-2227. Please do this soon.
Dear Annie: I am 12 years old. Last summer, I went to sleep-away camp for a month. I met "Trudy," a really nice girl, and we became good friends. Trudy was slightly overweight, which wasn't a problem until she asked me if I thought she was "chubby." I was speechless.
I obviously didn't want to tell the truth and hurt her feelings. Luckily someone caused a diversion, so I didn't have to answer her. She didn't bring it up again for the rest of the summer.
This year, I am going back to the same camp, and I know Trudy will be there. If she asks me again, I want to be able to answer her without hurting her feelings. What should I say? Unsure Friend
Dear Friend: At the age of 12, it is not unusual for girls to carry a little extra weight, which comes off naturally as they mature physically. It actually can be unhealthy for some girls that age to lose weight, and it is important that Trudy not be obsessed about her size. If she asks again, tell her, "I think you look great," which can honestly mean that you are seeing her inner beauty, and since she is your friend and "a really nice girl," we assume that's indeed what you are seeing.
Dear Annie: Some time ago, you printed a letter from a bereaved woman in Medford, Ore., whose mother had died. She was upset that Mom's body had been donated to The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
I am a medical student at OSU, and am on the student committee planning the annual memorial service for the wonderful people who donate their bodies for our learning. Families of each donor are invited and asked to send pictures they would like included in a slide show that we put together in honor of the donors. The memorial service includes candle lighting for each donor, music and a eulogy. One year, we also dedicated a tree from each class to that year's donors.
I think it is important to mention that we take special care to return the cremains to any family that requests them. Most, if not all, medical schools have similar programs. We are all very thankful to the people who entrust their bodies to us to learn from. It is truly a wonderful gift. A.W. in Ohio
Dear A.W.: Thank you for letting our readers know that these bodies are treated with the greatest respect and care. You have provided consolation to those whose relatives have made this unselfish gesture.
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