Spreading holiday cheer to our Recruits in Training

By Andrea Cacciola

On Sunday, December 21st, we were honored to bring Stockings for Recruits to Training Center Cape May once again, and it was truly a weekend filled with joy, gratitude, and meaningful moments.

The weekend began on Friday with the stuffing of more than 700 stocking bags, made possible by the generosity of our incredible donors. Active-duty members and spouses volunteered their time to help prepare each bag, setting the tone for a weekend rooted in service and community.

On Saturday, preparations continued as Ida Lewis was transformed into a festive Christmas wonderland. Recruits were welcomed by Holiday music, surfing Santa, sandman snowman, and cheerful holiday decor across the stage. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, even down to trying to make the room smell like a Christmas tree, to create a warm and joyful atmosphere for the recruits.

Sunday was the heart of it all. Volunteers from the Coast Guard Enlisted Association - Garden State Branch, along with a Chief from Air Station Atlantic City, generously came to lend a hand. The smiles, reactions, tears, and heartfelt thank-yous made every ounce of effort worthwhile.



Recruits from various training weeks, some just beginning their journey, others well into it, were given a rare moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. They had time to write postcards to family members and friends, whether simply to say hello or to share how much they missed their loved ones and holiday traditions. Every single recruit who walked through those doors smiled, even if just for a moment. For some, it was the first smile they had shared in weeks.

Many recruits expressed how much they truly needed that moment. While some volunteers may not fully understand the depth of what that meant, the active-duty members in the room knew exactly. Their presence made the experience even more meaningful.

The day was nothing short of wonderful. The company commanders were incredible to work with, and the collaboration made this event possible. As the Coast Guard continues to grow, so too will Stockings for Recruits. We are already looking ahead to 2026 - bigger, better, and with even more partnerships.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and businesses that donated and supported this very special event. We truly wish each of you could witness just one of those smiles.

We can’t wait to do it all again in 2026!