CHERRY POINT, N.C. (WITN) - The chow hall at MCAS Cherry Point has transformed into a festive winter wonderland to bring service members together for the holidays.Dozens of Marines and Sailors stood in line in the decorated chow hall, where they were met with a cookie decoration table, packed stockings, the Grinch playing tricks, and Mrs. Claus herself.“When they come through the line, the smiles just keep getting bigger and bigger,” said Mrs. Claus volunteer Robin Barron-Golobish.It’s the 5th annual &l...
CHERRY POINT, N.C. (WITN) - The chow hall at MCAS Cherry Point has transformed into a festive winter wonderland to bring service members together for the holidays.
Dozens of Marines and Sailors stood in line in the decorated chow hall, where they were met with a cookie decoration table, packed stockings, the Grinch playing tricks, and Mrs. Claus herself.
“When they come through the line, the smiles just keep getting bigger and bigger,” said Mrs. Claus volunteer Robin Barron-Golobish.
It’s the 5th annual ‘Meet Mrs. Claus’ event, where Marines and Sailors get to step into the North Pole to celebrate the holidays.
“It’s really nice to do something out of the box and celebrate the holidays,” U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Emma Powell said.
Service members are also able to write letters to their loved ones at the letter station.
For many, being far from family during the holidays can bring a feeling of loneliness, but the event hopes to make everyone feel a little more at home.
“Depression is a huge part of the holidays for these Marines, and we make sure that we can mitigate through that by bringing the holiday season to them,” U.S. Navy RP1. TJ Robinson said.
In 2020, Robinson reached out to Barron-Golobish after seeing the Mrs. Claus event at Camp Lejeune and wanted to bring it to Cherry Point.
“This is definitely a way to have a lot of fun,” U.S. Marine Cpl. Shirley Ayala said. “You have a whole family here, and now we got a little bit of Christmas magic.”
Over 360 stockings full of toiletries, gift cards, and even a stuffed holiday figure were handed out by volunteers of Union West Rotary Indian Trail and friends of Mrs. Claus.
Barron-Golobish says she does this each year because of the gratitude she has for everyone who serves.
“Thank you for your service,” Barron-Golobish said. “We appreciate your efforts. Our great nation is worth fighting for, and your time and dedication to our beautiful country are very much appreciated.”
The ‘Meet Mrs. Claus’ event is heading to Camp Lejeune on Tuesday and Wednesday, marking its eighth year of the event.