MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Whatever the reason for staying around Camp Pendleton for Thanksgiving, there is no excuse to stay in the barracks and look at the same faces day after day.

Thanks to Camp Pendleton's Single Marine Program, Marines can have a home away from home for the holidays.

Local families are responding by the hundreds with offers to bring Marines into their homes for Thanksgiving dinner.

SMP dubbed the effort 'Home for the Holidays.' Now they just need a few single Marines and sailors.

"I've had over 100 families sign up for this, but not so many Marines (or sailors)," said Alex De Los Santos, SMP coordinator for Pendleton.

Marines and sailors will be treated to a Thanksgiving dinner at the homes of local families and, if necessary, provided transportation to and from the home.

"I would like to make a difference at least one day in their life," said Trudy Moeller, who signed up to bring up to four Marines or sailors into her home for the holiday. "It really got me when Alex said what they usually do around Thanksgiving," Moeller explained. "He said a lot of them just 'sit in their rooms'."

"I think just being out of the barracks would be nice," she added. "We have a nice family room, with a TV to watch the football games."

"I think this is an outstanding program," said Cpl. Toya L. Wilson, with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base. "It reaches out to Marines are homesick and are not able to go home for the holidays."

Wilson, who just recently heard about the program, has been in the Marine Corps four years and hasn't gone home over the holidays since joining. She said 'Home for the Holidays' is something with which she wanted to participate.

Vista Elks Lodge is also planning to host up to 30 Marines at their lodge for Thanksgiving dinner.

"We all like servicemembers," said Alex Jimenez, head of the board of directors for the lodge.

While not quite the same family atmosphere as the Moeller residence, the Elks Lodge will have no shortage of activities.

"We have an entertainment room where they can play pool," Jimenez said. "We have card tables and even a bowling machine."

The Elks Lodge has one thing in common with the Moellers, its a desire to treat their guests well.

"We just want to welcome the Marines and make them comfortable for the day," Jimenez said.

Single Marines and sailors can pick up and turn in the sign-up sheets at any of the fitness centers on base, at Marine Corps Community Services, Semper Fit division headquarters, Building 1253 or call Alex De Los Santos at 725-6722. Sign- ups need to be turned by Monday.