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CHARLOTTE -- Dressed in fatigues, Santa and Mrs. Claus made early appearances in Charlotte and Raleigh for military families. The USO of North Carolina has events like these to support families because sometimes they aren't all together for the holidays.

"He was originally supposed to come home before Christmas but they extended him so this was a way we could keep Daddy up here," said Candice Mullens, a military wife. "But still, we'll miss him during the holidays but he'll be home soon.

Beyond a visit from Santa, the USO of North Carolina hosts Thanksgiving meals and reaches out to the newest recruit to the most storied veterans.

"I remember my first experience with the USO was on LZ Doddy in Vietnam when they the donut dogs to come out and visit the guys on the LZ's and stuff and we played games," said retired soldier George James.

The USO of North Carolina has five centers in North Carolina and a mobile center at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. The organization runs off the help of hundreds of volunteers and donations from cookie drops, gift deliveries, holiday concerts to airport welcomes and send-offs.

"The USO is wonderful," said soldier Michele Harper. "Cause I can tell you when I was deployed, that is the one thing that made me feel like I was closer to home."