Hunt County Democrats deliver coats, food to local families
Annual drive benefits Carver Elementary School students

For the sixth consecutive year, the Hunt County Democratic Party marked the holiday season by collecting winter coats for children at Carver Elementary School, continuing a tradition that has become a staple of the group’s community outreach. Members donated coats during the party’s annual Christmas gathering, with the items later delivered to Dr. Norman Hall, whose chiropractic office has served as the coat drive’s longtime collection point. This year’s effort yielded about 200 coats, though organizers say the total may be higher because some donors drop off items independently.

The coat drive is part of a broader push by the local party to address needs in the community beyond politics. The Hunt County Democratic Party is a member of the Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce. At a chamber meeting last summer, Dian Wright, executive director of Lake Area Shared Ministries, described challenges the nonprofit was facing after $1.9 million in funding cuts to the North Texas Food Bank reduced food availability in the region.

After discussing the issue, the party’s executive committee agreed to help. Because Texas Democratic county parties do not charge membership dues, the group decided to ask attendees to bring at least one nonperishable food item to meetings if they were able.

The response, organizers said, was overwhelming.

In addition to coats, members donated turkeys, hams and the ingredients needed for Christmas meals, along with personal care items such as soap and shampoo, as well as bags and boxes for distribution. While the group has not tracked an exact total, organizers estimate that well over 1,000 pounds of food and supplies have been delivered to Lake Area Shared Ministries.

The effort is not limited to the holidays. Party leaders say the food collection will continue year-round for as long as the need exists.

In addition to the coat drive and food donations, the Hunt County Democrats supported several other local efforts this year, including Bras for the Cause and Park Street wagon rides.

Organizers say the goal is to serve the broader community.

“We try to be as much a civic organization as we are a political organization,” said Larry Davis, Hunt County Democratic Party chair, adding that members are committed to helping meet local needs wherever possible. (Published in the Greenville Herald-Banner Staff Report
 Dec 22, 2025, Updated Dec 23, 2025)