MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- It is that time of the year again when the Camp Pendleton Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association, brings joy to service members and their families with a myriad of holiday programs to support those in need.
ASYMCA’s main mission is to enhance the quality of life among military families.
One of the programs offered by ASYMCA is the Home Hospitality Event on Thanksgiving day. More than 350 families have signed up to invite Marines to their homes for Thanksgiving dinner.
“We place 1,100 (School of Infantry-West) students in local community homes for Thanksgiving day,” said George Brown, executive director, ASYMCA, Camp Pendleton. “This is a good opportunity for them to get off base and enjoy a home-cooked meal.”
ASYMCA staff plans on being busy Thanksgiving day.
While the SOI-W students wait to be picked up by local families, more than $8,000 worth of electronics are planned to be raffled off.
The Home Hospitality event marks the start of a series of holiday events and programs for Marines and sailors.
During the month of December, ASYMCA receives letters from military families for their Secret Santa Program. The program is designed for Camp Pendleton service members at pay grade E-5 and below with children.
The families submit a wish list, for items they may need, such as clothing, food and other household items and the surrounding community donate the items on that list. This year, ASYMCA has scheduled to accommodate 750 families.
“We try to get everyone before the 19, because a lot of families leave the area,” said Brown.
For families that have bicycles on their wish lists, ASYMCA staff will be hosting a special bicycle giveaway Dec. 16. Last year, they gave out more than 450 bikes to families.
Once all the gifts are gone and the holiday events are done, ASYMCA staff takes a small break until after the New Year. Then they are back serving those who serve.
The organization also hosts a Super bowl event each year for SOI-W Marines at their dining facility, said Brown. They create a menu in the spirit of the football season and often have a visit from the Oakland Raiders cheerleaders.
In 2008, the ASYMCA served more than 48,000 service members and their families. Although donations this year have been less than in the past, ASYMCA still plans on supporting everyone in need, said Brown.
For more information on ASYMCA events and programs, visit http://www.camppendletonasymca.org/ or call (760) 385-4921.