It’s heartening, everything that people of all ages throughout Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties are doing to help ease the suffering and stabilize lives in Haiti.

Tonight, Santa Rosa’s Community Baptist Church invites us all to come hear some award-winning gospel music and at the same time extend aid to Haiti.

Two renowned gospel groups from Mississippi – Lee Williams & The Spiritual CQ’s and The Golden Wings Quartet – will perform at the Rev. James Coffee’s church on Santa Rosa’s Sonoma Avenue starting at 7. Doors open at 6.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the church, or at the door.

All across this region, stories abound of compassionate action taken by people moved to do something for the people of Haiti. A few days ago, two Cotati girls stood on a street corner near their homes and held up a hand-painted sign inviting passers-by to donate to earthquake relief.

People stopped and gave Melanie Mattos and Leah Brown $44.60. The girls marched the money over to Walgreen’s and dropped every cent into a Red Cross collection jar.

Several kids at Children’s Village in Santa Rosa watched news of the suffering in Haiti and agreed they had to help. The children, all of whom lived previously in foster homes, pooled what money they had and then asked adults to pitch in, too.

The kids, grateful for the care they’re receiving at Children’s Village, proudly donated $203 to the Red Cross.

One day, we may be on the receiving end of relief efforts following a devastating earthquake. But this time, we give.