Erath County Parties Put Politics Aside to Feed Neighbors in Need

Erath County Democratic Party Chairman Moumin Quazi and Erath County Republican Party Chairman Dave Washam shake hands outside of H.O.P.E.

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Local leaders from both sides of the political aisle are teaming up to support Erath County families in need, proving that when it comes to fighting hunger, politics can take a back seat.

Erath County Democratic Party Chairman Moumin Quazi and Erath County Republican Party Chairman Dave Washam have joined forces with members of both parties to raise money for local food banks and Meals on Wheels.

From left, Moumin Quazi, Erath County Democratic Party chair; Pat Schipper, Erath County Democratic Party; Lisa Scott, HOPE Inc. director; Heather Anderson, second vice chair of the Erath County Republican Party; and Dave Washam, Erath County Republican Party chair, stand outside H.O.P.E. in Stephenville as both parties announce matched donations to local food banks and Meals on Wheels.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties have agreed to match each other’s donations to food banks and pantries in the area. Between the parties and individual members, the effort is expected to total approximately $2,500 in donations, which will be distributed among local food banks, pantries and Meals on Wheels.

Organizer and community member Heather Anderson, who helped bring the two parties together, said the project is about focusing on what unites neighbors rather than what divides them.

“There are times when we should and do put our political differences aside and work for the general good of our community. This is one of those times,"

-Dave Washam

She added that she hopes this effort will not only help fill shelves locally, but also serve as an example for others.

Heather said she’s simply glad to help get the story out so people can see that different political parties can come together when it counts to support local citizens - and maybe inspire other counties, or even the rest of the country, to set aside differences and help one another.

She summed up the moment by joking, “It is one small step for America, one giant leap for Erath County.”

Local residents who need food assistance - or who want to support these efforts - can find a list of area food banks and pantries in this flyer shared with Erath County News, which includes locations, contact information and hours for H.O.P.E. Inc., and other local partners across Erath County.