When friends gather, help the local food bank

Dear Heloise: Every time you have people over or get together with friends at a restaurant, ask everyone to bring one item of nonperishable food for your local food bank. Collect the cans and boxes, and drop them off the next time you pass the food bank! It may be just a couple of cans, but those cans might mean someone in your community doesn’t go hungry that day.

I sent this idea to most of my contacts, and many of them have already joined and/or sent the suggestion to their contacts. It’s so easy to do once you start the routine. I’ve made two trips to the emergency food bank with donations in the past two weeks, and I anticipate making many more food drops during the upcoming months. Diane, Reston, Va.

Diane, these are tough economic times all around, and your hint is doable for most folks without busting the food budget. Thanks for sharing this helpful heart hint. Heloise

Fast facts

Dear Readers: Lemons on sale? Here’s how to use them:

• Squeeze out the juice and freeze in ice-cube trays.

• Rub on hands to get rid of onion or fish odors.

• Freeze lemon rinds and use later when you need lemon zest.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I was having a garden-party luncheon and wanted something special for the centerpieces that would not cost a lot. I took some coffee cans, covered them with pretty floral gift-wrapping paper and put plain glasses inside with fresh flowers. The tables looked beautiful. You can reuse these and cover them with whatever is needed to match any decor. Elaine T., via e-mail

Another idea is to use pretty-colored bedsheets for tablecloths. You can match the sheets to the colors you want to use for your garden-party decor. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When opening a can of tomato paste, if I have a bit left, I put it in a freezer bag, press out the excess air and seal. Then it goes into the freezer. I can just break off the size piece I need for a recipe. I find that this works really well, and I don’t waste the leftover tomato paste. Gina G., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: To get back loaned-out books, I put a photograph of myself or one of my business cards inside the book. It can be used as a bookmark, and the borrower is gently reminded to return the book. The best news is that my books are returned — this hint is a keeper! Deidre, Leadville, Colo.

Sound off

Dear Heloise: My Sound Off is about people who wear strong perfumes and colognes. This is very inconsiderate, especially if you are in a confined area with these people, such as the office or church. Wearing too much can be overpowering, and many people are very allergic to these types of products. A Longtime Reader from New Mexico

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate