Families invited to host Marines for a Thanksgiving meal

CAPE FEAR, NC (WWAY) — In 2011, Port City Java CEO Steve Schnitzler began an annual tradition in which families from the Cape Fear region host Marines from Camp Lejeune for a Thanksgiving gathering and meal.

In collaboration with officials at Camp Lejeune, the program arranges bus transportation for the Marines to a central location in Wilmington, where they’re greeted and picked up by host families.

Last year, Neal and Jeanine Huggins assumed leadership of the project. Neal solicits sponsors and donors for the transportation as each bus costs $2,000.

Families interested in hosting a Marine for Thanksgiving should contact Neal Huggins at marinethanksgiving@gmail.com.

Others that may be interested by unable to host can donate to help with the bus costs. Checks should be payable to “Sunway Charters” and mailed to: Neal Huggins, Marine Thanksgiving, 710 N 4th St Wilmington, NC 28401