CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — More than 2,000 members of the military will pass through the USO Center at Charlotte Douglas Saturday as they make their ways home for holiday leave.
Charlotte's Levin Foundation just announced a $50,000 challenge grant for the USO.
When PFC Matthew Lam comes home on leave, his route takes him through Charlotte Douglas Airport and the USO Center.
"If it's late, I head to one of these chairs to kick back and take a little nap," he said.
He joins other members of the military at the USO Center for some relaxation, computer access and a long list of support services all provided for free.
"That helps out quite a bit, especially when you're on a military budget," Lam said.
USO North Carolina President John Falkenbury said service members deserve the extra attention, but that can be expensive.
"Day in and day out 9,000 people a month pass through here and we're serving them so they don't pay for anything," Falkenbury said.
It takes $250,000 a year to run the site. Most of that money comes from donations. And this week the center will receive a huge gift.
"We really stepped up to the challenge and we will donate $50,000 to the USO Charlotte Center," said the president of Patriot Charities, Dana Bradley.
The local nonprofit raises funds to support military members and their families. The organization's donation will go toward USO general operations and create a USO satellite office at a local university.
"They're standing up and they are saying, ‘We're going to help his organization' and that sends a clear message to everybody that can give to help the USO of North Carolina," Falkenbury said.
Lam said the result is priceless.
"It's absolutely fantastic. Their volunteers do a tremendous job," he said.
The set-up continues Saturday at 3 a.m. as troops flow through the airport on holiday leave.
WSOC
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