Make the Holidays Warmer: Host a Coast Guard Recruit in Cape May

Issue #539

December 08, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎭Make the Holidays Warmer: Host a Coast Guard Recruit in Cape May

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ Christmas Comes to Life in Song at St. Joseph Church with Suite Inspiration

⛽ From Freezing to Rain: New Jersey’s Weather Rollercoaster This Week

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 December 8

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Make the Holidays Warmer: Host a Coast Guard Recruit in Cape May

As the holiday season approaches, the American Red Cross is calling on Cape May-area residents to continue a heartfelt tradition more than 40 years in the making — becoming a host family for Coast Guard recruits spending Thanksgiving or Christmas away from home.

The program, known as Operation Fireside, matches recruits undergoing basic training at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May with local families willing to open their homes for a day of comfort, conversation, and a home-cooked holiday meal. With recruits not permitted to return home during their rigorous eight-week training, this one-day visit offers a welcome reprieve and a sense of warmth during the festive season.

Each year, more than 700 recruits are welcomed into over 100 homes across Cape May County, creating lasting connections between service members and the community. Some host families have kept the tradition alive for decades, while others are just discovering the joy of sharing their holiday table with those in uniform.

Those interested in joining this meaningful program are encouraged to apply soon, as placements are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Families can get more information or sign up by emailing [email protected] or calling 609-562-3483.

From Patrol to Santa’s Helpers: Cape May County Police Launch Holiday Gift Drives

The season of giving is well underway in Cape May County, where two local police departments are continuing long-standing holiday traditions aimed at bringing joy to children in need.

The Middle Township Police Department has officially launched its annual Christmas Toy Drive, while the Cape May Police Department is collecting gifts through its Sgt. William Alvarez Toy Drive — both with the shared mission of spreading holiday cheer to hundreds of local families.

In addition to the toy drive, the Cape May Police Department and the City of Cape May will host the Captain Nick Fedoroff Community Christmas Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14, from noon to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature pictures with Santa, games, snacks, face painting, bouncy houses, and more.

How to Get Involved

  • Middle Township Toy Drive: To donate or apply, call 609-465-8700 or email [email protected].

  • Cape May Toy Drive: Call 609-884-9539 for information or to donate. Leave a message if there's no answer.

Both departments are accepting new, unwrapped toys and encourage the public to get involved — helping ensure no child is left without a gift this holiday season.

 

From Freezing to Rain: New Jersey’s Weather Rollercoaster This Week

New Jersey residents will face a sharp drop in temperatures as an Arctic air mass settles in Monday, with daytime highs stuck in the 20s and 30s and wind chills making it feel much colder. Wind gusts up to 20 mph are expected, especially in South Jersey. The frigid weather will continue into Tuesday, before moderating midweek as a storm system brings clouds and a chance of rain with highs near 50 by Wednesday.

Answer to the December 7th Trivia Question

Which natural feature of Cape May is famously known as "Cape May diamonds"?

A) Smooth quartz pebbles found on local beaches
B) Rare emerald stones found along the shore
C) Pieces of volcanic glass washed up from the ocean
D) Ancient fossils found in the sand dunes

Answer: A) Smooth quartz pebbles found on local beaches.

Cape May diamonds are actually quartz pebbles that have been smoothed and polished by the Delaware River before washing up on the beaches of Cape May. They are popular as souvenirs and are often polished to resemble real diamond.

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