HELPING OUT: Trotting like a turkey for food bank, making bowls to fight hunger, relief for fire victims

REDWOOD FOOD BANK – THANKSGIVING DAY TURKEY TROT

Thursday, Nov. 23, starting at 8:30 a.m.

While people are lining up for that Big Balloon parade in New York City, Petalumans will be gathering at McNear Park to drop off cans of food, and then participate in a celebratory Turkey Trot walk up and down the hills of Petaluma.

What’s happening? This annual event begins at 8:15 with a group warm-up, then continues with a guided hike up into Helen Putnam Park and back.

Who does it help? The Redwood Food Bank feeds thousands of hungry folks annually, all over Sonoma County and beyond. It’s the largest food bank on the California coast, distributing food from Sonoma County to the Oregon border. For additional information visit REFB.org.

What else should we know? Bring a can of food (or maybe several) to McNear Park at 8:15, where volunteers will be waiting to collect the food and distribute it to those in need. Then be prepared to walk through Petaluma before heading home to spend the day giving thanks in whatever way works best for you and yours.

PETALUMA PEOPLE SERVICES CENTER – 1,000 PETALUMA BOWLS

Friday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Once again, the Petaluma People Services Center is inviting the local community to participate in its ‘1,000 Petaluma Bowls’ event, in which bowls – a universal symbol of food, nutrition and health – are painted through local “bowl painting parties,” and then auctioned off to raise money for PPSC’s many hunger-battling programs.

What’s happening? First, between now and the auction in late November, community members will be hosting “bowl painting parties” at their homes and businesses. Family Tree Pottery is partnering with PPSC, offering unpainted bowls to be decorated in creative and attractive ways. The finished bowls will be sold to the highest bidder after Thanksgiving. The goal is to end up with 1,000 bowls, representing all corners of the community.

Who does it help? The Petaluma People Services Center, now in its 43rd year, works to improve the social and economic health of Petaluma through programs such as Meals on Wheels, family and individual counseling, adult and youth employment services, and more. For additional information visit PetalumaPeople.org.

What else should we know? The auction will take place on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving, at Hotel Petaluma, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Soup will be served (it’s a BOWL thing, right?), plus snacks and beverages, along with the opportunity to browse and purchase one-of-a-kind bowls. $20 entry fee. Tickets can be purchased by emailing 1000petalumabowls@petalumapeople.org. If you are interested in hosting a bowl painting party, call PPSC at (707) 765-8488.

DONATE TO PETALUMA CHRISTMAS CHEER

This all-volunteer non-profit has been around since 1957. Headquartered at 1338 Ross St., near Lagunitas Brewery, the group is now accepting donations of canned foods, toys (no play guns), and of course cash. The goodies will be distributed to needy families in time for Christmas. Volunteer sign up is Sunday, Nov. 26, 1-4. for information contact Carol Garrison at carol.cgarrison@sbcglobal.net.