HELPING OUT: Hurricane relief, animal rescue services, new emergency equipment and more

“When disaster strikes, people want to help,” says Ray McClendon, lead chaplain for the local organization The Chaplains of Petaluma Police and Fire. “And when it’s a disaster of epic proportions, like what’s happened in Texas and Florida, it makes people think, ‘What if it happened to us? How would we want the rest of country to act?’?”

It’s that inspiration that has led the Petaluma’s police department and fire department chaplains to step forward to collect funds to help out the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Donations in any amount, preferably checks, are being taken during normal business hours at the Petaluma Police Department. For the time being, funds will be sent twice a week to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Organization, a major operator in the charitable distribution of emergency goods to those suffering from various disasters around the country.

“There are a lot of charitable groups that take donations on line,” says McClendon, known to most as Chaplain Mac. “But some people don’t trust the internet, so we’re taking donations ourselves, in person, at the police department. But please tell people not to call the department about this. They’re busy serving the public. Any questions should be directed to me at my own cell number.”

That number is below.

McClendon is a retired Church of Christ minister (until two years ago, serving the Sonoma Mountain Parkway congregation full time), and a chaplain with the Petaluma Police Department. According to McClendon, the Church of Christ Disaster Relief Effort has been doing this kind of charity work for twenty years, and has already sent several semi-trucks loaded with supplies to Houston, with supplies now on their way to Florida as well. The trucks contain emergency boxes full of food, new clothing, emergency and hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, and infant supplies.

“The boxes go directly to the areas where people are hurting,” he says, noting that 85 percent of all donations to Church of Christ Disaster Relief go to the purchase and distribution of those boxes, with 15 percent used to operate a small five-person staff and a warehouse in Nashville, Tennessee.

“If people would prefer to donate to another charity, the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, they can make out a check to those organizations, and we’ll forward them to those charities. This effort isn’t about any one group or organization. It’s about helping people in need.”

How Can I Help? Drop off checks made out to Church of Christ Disaster Relief, at the Petlauma Police Department., 969 Petaluma Blvd. N. Mark envelope to “chaplains.” Questions? Call Chaplain Mac at (707) 360-7468

FRIENDS OF THE PETALUMA RIVER - SONGS OF THE KLAMATH

Saturday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.

What’s happening? Continuing her exploration of the connection between the arts and the environment, Petaluma singer-songwriter-farmer Ismay present the premiere of her long-in-the-works documentary “Songs of the Klamath.” Combining original music, photography and footage of her journey on horseback along the Klamath, the short film will be screened, and Ismay will be singing songs from the film, and discussing the adventure of bringing this project to life. She will be joined by the acoustic duo Quiles and Cloud.

Who does it help? The event is a fundraiser for Friends of the Petaluma River, a nonprofit founded to connect Petalumans to the River and the Petaluma Watershed. FriendsofthePetalumaRiver.org.

What else should we know? The event takes place at the David Yearsley River Heritage Center, corner of Copeland and D St. Tickets are $15. Learn more about the film at SongsoftheKlamath.com.

RANCHO ADOBE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION - FIRE AND SUDS MUSIC & BEER FESTIVAL

Saturday, Sept. 23, 1-5 p.m.

What’s happening? A fun, tune-filled benefit to raise money for new firefighting equipment, the Fire and Suds Music and Beer Festival takes place at Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St. The popular band The Pulsators will be performing, along with Twang Ditty. The beer is from Lagunitas Brewing Company, HenHouse Brewing, Coastal Acre Brewing, Bear Republic, and others. Food vendors include the Got Balls Meatball Factory Food Truck, A Guy and His Grill, and more.

Who does it help? Proceeds will go toward purchasing new rescue and emergency equipment for the Rancho Adobe Fire District. To learn more visit RanchoFire.org.

What else should we know? Tickets for adults are $40, and include two drink tickets, and two $5 meal tickets. Kids 12-18 are $20, and kids under 12 are free. The first 400 attendees get a commemorative beer glass. For information, call (707) 981-1085.

PETALUMA PET PALS - NINETEENTH ANNUAL GOOD STUFF RUMMAGE SALE

Collection dates: through Oct. 7

Rummage Sale Oct. 14–Oct. 22

What’s happening? Donations are now being accepted for PETaluma PET Pals’ annual fundraising rummage sale, which will take place at the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets daily from Oct. 14-22. Needed are all manner of rummage sale-type items, from small furniture and small appliances to clothing, toys, books, housewares and the like. Donations are being accepted at the Outlet Mall on Mondays and Wednesdays (1–8 p.m.), and Saturdays (noon–5 p.m.).

Who does it help? All rummage sale proceeds go toward the work of PETaluma PET Pals Animal Rescue and Spay-neuter programs. To learn more visit Petalumapetpals.org.

What else should we know? Donations will be collected until Oct. 7. After a week to prepare, the Rummage Sale will open on Oct. 14, and will run weekends from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and weekdays from noon to 7 p.m. The Petaluma Village Premium Outlets are at 2200 Petaluma Blvd. N.