Dear Readers: It’s spring, and that means it’s puppy and kitten season. The animal shelters are bursting with new babies. They need donations, pronto! If you want to help, here are some items that are very much needed and recommended by The Humane Society.

Food-related items: training treats, canned and dry food, formula, puppy replacement milk, kitten and puppy bottles, food bowls, plastic containers and grocery bags.

For comfort and care-related items: blankets, towels, cotton balls and swabs, baby wipes, heating pads, puppy pads, rubbing alcohol, newspaper, paper towels and pet beds.

Other miscellaneous items: durable toys, hair trimmers, flea combs, crates (all sizes), litter boxes, nonclumping cat litter, litter scoopers and small collars for puppies and kittens.

This can make a great service project for a church youth group or scout pack. Cash is also a welcome gift. — Heloise

DECREASE THE CREASE

Dear Heloise: I found a pair of really nice dress pants in a resale shop that are a little too short for my husband, so I let the hem out, leaving a very noticeable crease. How can I remove it? — Meredith in Florida

Meredith, dampen the crease line with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Use this as a pressing cloth and press with a moderately hot iron. Make sure the pants are clean. You don’t want to “set” in a stain. Also, test an inconspicuous area first to make sure the vinegar doesn’t affect the fabric.

FYI: Vinegar will also remove scorch marks from most fabrics. Just gently rub with a cloth dampened in white vinegar. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work with all fabrics. — Heloise

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your great money-saving or timesaving hint to to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax to 1-210-HELOISE, or email to Heloise@Heloise.com. She can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in her column.