The Vance County Democratic Party is sponsoring a drive-through “Hope for the Homeless” on Saturday, Feb. 20 to collect much-needed items for local shelters as part of its mission to serve the community.

“We’re asking the community to support us on Saturday and donate any of these items so that we can, especially during this cold season, be able to help out people who are less fortunate than we are,” said Marcia Allen, chair of the local party. Allen was on “The Local Skinny” Thursday and told John C. Rose that the event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Perry Memorial Library. The shelters need toiletry items like deodorant and shampoo and household items such as paper towels and trash bags, she said, and everything in between.

The ARC House for Men needs socks, shirts, pants and deodorant. Rising Hope men’s shelter is also in need of men’s shirts and socks, washing powder and soap. Lifeline Ministries shelter for women and children need socks and washing powder, too, she said, as well as dish detergent. The local democratic party is providing masks to both shelters, she added.

One goal of the local party is to be of service to the community as a whole, Allen said, regardless of party affiliation, and to “be a blessing and be of service to the community we live in.”

In addition to participating in events within the community, the Vance County Democratic Party will send three delegates to the upcoming virtual statewide meeting on Feb. 27, and Allen added that anyone interested in participating in a virtual meeting Monday, Feb. 22 to meet the candidates for statewide office should call 252.762.1963 to learn how to access the event.

In addition, the county convention is scheduled for April 10, she said, and she encouraged everyone to get involved at the precinct level. She said the local party is working to get people motivated to volunteer within their voting district. Vance County has 12 precincts, she said. “We want to keep people motivated and interested so that they will come out and vote…in 2022,” she said.

“We’re really excited about extending the invitation to the public,” Allen said, adding that there are many opportunities for the public to participate in party politics.

There are different caucus groups for everyone, she noted, according to age and gender, as well as for college students, people with disabilities and a caucus for people who live in rural areas. There’s a way for everyone to participate, she said.

The Vance County Democratic Party meets the fourth Monday of each month, Allen said. Although the meetings are virtual at this time, Allen said there is a call-in number to use for those who do not have internet access.

Call 252.762.1963 to learn more.

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