JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — About 500 Marines from Camp Lejeune will fan out Thursday to enjoy the thanks that families in three North Carolina communities want to show them.

Marines will board buses on Thanksgiving morning for Wilmington, New Bern and Wallace. Families there will meet the Marines and take them home in twos or threes to share holiday feasts, football and maybe a little extra fun, The Daily News of Jacksonville reports(http://bit.ly/1ydFE7Q ). Marines will spend about 10 to 12 hours with their host families before returning to base.

"It is a really rewarding experience," said Steve Schnitzler, the CEO of Port City Java and coordinator for the Wilmington families. "It's just a family day. We eat all day, basically. We start early. There will be football on. While I'm cooking, my wife will usually take them on a little tour of Wilmington."

The Marines for Thanksgiving program connects families in the region with students in training to become infantrymen, engineers, or specialists in administration or logistics, said Susan Goodrich of the Single Marine Program at Camp Lejeune and New River Marine Corps bases. The program started about seven years ago and has grown rapidly, she said.

Marines visiting a private community in Wallace will have access to the golf course, the fitness center and watercraft. Marines will be escorted to River Landing by about 120 motorcycle riders, greeted by about 300 residents, then served a hot buffet breakfast as they meet their host families.

"We want this day to be a day of fun where they can really feel like they are appreciated by families who truly respect them," said Cam McLemore, director of River Landing Communities.

Marines also will receive gift bags containing food and personal care items donated by a restaurant, grocery and drug store chain before heading back to Camp Lejeune, McLemore said.

"The opportunity to host a Marine gives the holiday special meaning," said Bruce Shattuck, coordinator for the event in New Bern's Fairfield Harbour subdivision

For Marines staying on base, Camp Lejeune recreation centers will be open Thanksgiving Day for troops eager to catch football games on television. A midday holiday meal is hosted by the USO.

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