Iowa OFA Regional Field Director Matt Beltrami, 24, (from left), chats with caucus supporters Pat Oliver, and Sue Harwood, both of Cedar Rapids at the pre-caucus party Saturday, Dec. 10, 2010 at 644 Staub Court NE. (Kathleen Serino/SourceMedia Group News)

CEDAR RAPIDS — More than 40 people from a Northeast-side precinct hosted a pre-caucus party Saturday in hopes of beefing up their group of volunteers for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.

Hosted at the Theobold residence, volunteers and staffers with Organizing For America (OFA), the campaign’s grassroots organization, gathered for brunch, brief introductions and overall  caucus excitement.

“These are people who committed to caucus,” said Team 10 leader Helane Golden, one of dozens of OFA team leaders in the state, noting another goal was to get those involved in the neighborhood to get to know one another.

According to John Kraus, communications director for OFA Iowa, more than 50 volunteer caucus house parties were held in the state this week.

OFA Iowa staff and volunteers have made thousands of calls to supporters from phone banks at eight campaign offices scattered throughout Iowa, Kraus said in an e-mail.

Shar Jones, the team’s data collector, said she has become much more involved this cycle with the thought of her children’s future in mind.

Jones noted Team 10 has made more than 1,000 calls on the Iowa Caucus since September.

“We can feel so removed from politics,” volunteer Geri Pettitt, 70, said. “But what it comes down to are the individuals,” she added, noting that their group’s bottom-up efforts are really helping others learn what the campaign is all about.

According to Golden, the Iowa OFA is has a 6-day plan to reach out to caucus supporters, beyond cold-calling. From Dec. 29 through Jan. 3 volunteers can be found at OFA headquarters, 2887 Mt. Vernon Rd., and anyone is invited to drop in.

More information can be found here.