Democrats helped peel onions and donated food last week at the Roadrunner Food Bank, part of a planned state-wide effort to partner with service organizations that do everything from feeding fellow New Mexicans in need to providing school supplies and picking up trash. 

Cam Crawford, State Vice Chair, said some 15 people responded to his call for volunteers while others brought canned and boxed food to party headquarters as part of the effort. He described the program as a first step in an effort to address some public perceptions that Democrats only show up around election season, principally to ask for money, and do not concern themselves with everyday needs. 

“We will work with county chairs to identify local organizations that need help, then assist in organizing efforts to provide it,” he said, noting that the groups will “proudly wear their Democratic shirts” but will respect any organization’s policies about limiting political promotions. Counties have different needs, he said, and the program will seek to address them, whether it is delivering food or medicines, preparing clothing drives, or clearing wilderness areas.

The object is to express — through action — the concern we all share about the needs of fellow New Mexicans.

Crawford said the Roadrunner Food Bank staff was very grateful for the help, noting that no one was able to cite a time when Republicans showed up for anything similar.

The effort to reach out to county Democrats has begun. County chairs will then work with the State Party to put together plans for aiding selected organizations. The goal is to compile a central repository of ideas about how the program would be applied, which in turn will inform its development into the future. The experience gained with each event will be used to amplify and expand the program over the long term, Crawford said.