Port City Java looking for more families to host Marines for Thanksgiving

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thanksgiving is less than a month away and there is one group of people still looking for a place to enjoy dinner.

Port City Java’s Marines for Thanksgiving is looking for more families to host marines this year.

The program returned last year after a 4-year hiatus due to COVID.

Every year, the program buses Marines from Camp Lejeune to Wilmington to spend Thanksgiving with a host family.

After around 50 Marines were hosted last year, the program expects 100 or more Marines to take part this year.

Organizer Neal Huggins said this is a great way to help new Marines feel comfortable when they’re so far away from home.

“I mean, obviously giving back to those who are serving us is a huge part of it and it’s just fun and you get to be something special for them for one day when they’re in a hard place in infantry school,” Huggins said. “Means a lot to my family, kids absolutely love doing it.”

If you are interested in hosting a Marine this year, you can email MarineThanksgiving@gmail.com.