By Sandy James
Review Staff Writer

Published: April 10, 2008

DAR chapters and bluegrass music don’t often come up in the same conversation. But the Mine Run Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) marches to a different drummer-or banjo.
The DAR was founded in 1890 and is a volunteer women’s service organization. Members are dedicated to keeping America strong by promoting patriotism and preserving U.S. history. DAR also supports many education programs.
To become a member, one must prove blood lineal descent from someone who contributed to the American Revolution.
The Mine Run chapter was formed in February 2006 with six transfer members from other chapters. The chapter grew to 29 members in October 2006 and reached 60 members by the end of 2007.
There are currently 73 members in the fast-growing Mine Run chapter.
Current Mine Run regent Debbie DeHart joined the DAR in southwest Virginia in 2003. She feels the Mine Run chapter is going places.
“We are project-not program-oriented,” said DeHart.
The chapter is involved in many community service projects from literacy for children and adults to conservation and beautification of historical landmarks.
They won 24 awards at the recent state conference, including the Conservation Projects-2nd place award, Volunteer Genealogists-1st place, Exceptional Report by American Indians Committee, Excellence in Chapter Growth Membership, Outstanding Chapter Newsletter-2nd place by VIS (Volunteer Information Specialists) and
Outstanding Contribution with Computers by VIS.
“Our meetings are jam-packed with ideas, and there are so many things you can do from home,” said DeHart.
The members save cancelled postage stamps for projects for veterans, soup labels for schools and coupons to send to overseas military bases. The bases will extend the expiration date on merchandise coupons.
Members also take used clothing to the DAR schools thrift shop.
DeHart said several projects that help current military people and veterans are close to her heart. Her father is a veteran and her mother is a member of the Mine Run DAR chapter.
The Service for Veterans team visits veterans in nursing homes every month.
“We carry socks, underwear, personal care items, cards and candy for those who can have it,” said DeHart.
Operation Helping Hands is a fund that the Army chaplain’s office at Walter Reed Hospital set up to provide financial support to wounded soldiers, their families and loved ones for expenses not covered by official government funding.
A bluegrass fundraiser will be held May 31 to benefit Operation Helping Hands. Bands in the line-up include Kicking Mule, Fall Line and Thursday Morning Brunch Bunch.
There will be vendor tables, a silent auction and a raffle for a gun and a quilt.
For more information on the event or the chapter please contact DeHart at 540-854-6700.