2019-2020 Chapter Officers Installation

With each new term of Chapter Officers, we strive to fulfill the DAR motto of "God, Home, and Country." We participate in many service activities for education, retired military, community charitable needs, historic preservation, patriotism, and supporting NSDAR projects. We pledge to work for the goals of President General Denise VanBuren's mission statement which are: "to energize members to rise up in meaningful service to America and to shine by raising public awareness of the National Society's purpose, relevancy and vibrancy through robust public outreach; and honor the spirit of our Revolutionary ancestors and educate the public about their sacrifices, and actively promote the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship."

Education

• For over 25 years, our chapter has offered a scholarship to an exceptional student in the Mineola school system. The Letitia Teague Puckett scholarship was funded by our Organizing Regent with a donation that has been carefully monitored since that time to allow us to offer a yearly scholarship.
• Participation in the DAR Good Citizen's Program awards.
• Boy and Girl Scouts are supported and recognized.
• Support of the DAR Schools and Native American programs.

Historic Preservation

In 2017, the restoration of the historic Honeymoon Cottage in Quitman, Texas, was started by the chapter. The Cottage, built in 1860, was purchased by James Stephen Hogg and was the first home for James and his bride, Sarah Ann Stinson. Gaining support from the Chapter Officers and members, Linda along with a small group of volunteers, the City of Quitman and Quitman Public Library Director, Delene Allen, began the transformation of the long-neglected Cottage into a working museum. After hours and hours of hard work, sore knees, broken fingernails, sore backs, and much labor, the Cottage was opened to the public for self-guided tours in May 2019. Plans are still underway to completely finish the restoration and add to the nostalgia and historical relevance of the house.

Chapter Programs

• Chapter programs and guest speakers are chosen that follow the mission statement of the NSDAR.
• We support DAR schools and American Indian schools.
• Constitution Week Proclamations are distributed in several cities.
• We look for ways to observe July 4 within our communities.
• Flags are placed in several cemeteries and memorials for Memorial Day.
• We participate in the Mineola Veterans Day parade to honor veterans.

Commemorative Events and Award Winners

• 2018 second-place winner in the Texas State Society DAR for our 100th Anniversary of WWI activities.
• 2018 NSDAR second-place winner and Texas State Society DAR first-place winner for Historic Preservation for the dining room of the Honeymoon Cottage.

Community Charitable Needs

Chapter members volunteer at a health care ministry, assist with children's programs at local churches, rescue and rehome abandoned dogs, assist homebound or disabled residents with their care or mobility needs, donate to local food banks, deliver Meals on Wheels, support resale shops, and volunteer to help with city and county projects.