Fire, Police departments provide ongoing mutual aid

Support for fellow Bay Area residents who lost loved ones and property in what is being called the worst firestorm in California history began pouring out of Alameda last week. The social media group Alameda Peeps filled a rented truck with donations for fire victims last Friday. 

A more official, city-wide benefit has been set for Sunday, Oct. 29, spearheaded by the Alameda Elks and Eagles. “The ‘Alameda Coming Together Benefit Concert’ will raise funds for those families affected by the devastating fires in Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Mendocino, Yuba and Lake counties,” announced Mayor Trish Spencer. 

The event will take place at the Alameda Elks Lodge located at 2255 Santa Clara Ave. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Local residents who wish to help out will enjoy live music from four different Bay Area artists and refreshments. 

In the meantime, the lodge is serving as a donation drop-off point for items to be delivered to fire victims. A 40-foot trailer, donated by Rogers Trucking, will be available to take in donations prior to the benefit concert this Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Donations may also be dropped off Monday through Friday, Oct. 23 to 27, noon until 6 p.m.

“There is so much loss and so many people in need, we knew we had to do something to help” said Alameda Eagles President Judi Tansey. “‘People Helping People’ is the Eagles motto — It’s what we do!” 

“This is the first time that the Alameda Eagles and Alameda Elks have worked together to spearhead an event like this,” said Alameda Elks President Lee Watson. “Judy and I want all of Alameda to help if they can!”

Items that are in critical need right now include: tents, sleeping pads or cots, pillows, water, non-perishable food, masks, gloves, personal-hygiene products, phone chargers, diapers, can openers, kids’ games and pet food.

Many local service organizations are pitching in to make this event a success. The list includes: Alameda Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Alameda Business Association, Alameda Business Network, West Alameda Business Association, Alameda police and fire departments and Alameda Peeps.

In addition to the local grass- roots collections, both Alameda police and fire departments have joined the multi-state effort to provide mutual aid up north.