PINE KNOLL SHORES, N.C. (Nov. 13, 2025) – The town of Pine Knoll Shores and its Parks and Recreation Committee (PARC) volunteer residents are once again supporting local military families in need for the holidays through its annual Angel Tree for the Children of our Warriors. This year, the town will raise funds to support anonymous military children with holiday gifts by accepting donations at town hall through Friday, Dec. 12.
Working with Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) and its Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors in Jacksonville, the local families have already been pre-selected by the social workers within the clinic.
On Thanksgiving Day, the 18th annual Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot and Dog Walk kicks off at 8:30 a.m. beginning at McNeill Park located at 196 Oakleaf Drive in Pine Knoll Shores. This free run/walk event is open to all with donations encouraged to support the Angel Tree for the Children of our Warriors when registering. Online registration is open through Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. at; https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/PineKnollShores/PKSTurkeyTrot.
In-person registration is Wednesday, November 26, from 3 – 4 p.m. at McNeill Park and Thanksgiving morning, November 27, beginning from 7:30 – 8 a.m.
You can register for either:
• 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk passes through the streets of Pine Knoll Shores and the Crystal Coast Country Club golf course (no strollers/pets will be allowed).
• 1.5-mile stroll and dog walk will traverse the streets of Pine Knoll Shores.
Those interested in supporting the Town of Pine Knoll Shores’ holiday project with a monetary donation can stop by town hall at 100 Municipal Circle in Pine Knoll Shores or connect with resident and PARC member Bonnie Peter at (252) 646-8079 or bj126@twc.com through Friday, Dec. 12.
Checks to support the Pine Knoll Shores Angel Tree for the Children of our Warriors can be made payable to “Kayak for the Warriors” with “Angel Tree” placed on the memo line of the check. Checks can be mailed to the Pine Knoll Shores town hall or placed in the lock box behind town hall.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors opened in December of 2022 and provides confidential, high-quality behavioral health care services at little to no-cost to post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and military families with a TRICARE referral.
Founded aboard Camp Lejeune almost 20 years ago, Hope For The Warriors is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families.
“Military families stand alongside their loved ones in service, and we believe in celebrating and supporting the entire family—especially the youngest members—during the holidays,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO for Hope For The Warriors. “The residents of Pine Knoll Shores have been steadfast partners to Hope For The Warriors from the very beginning, and we are truly grateful for their continued commitment to brightening the season for local military families through our clinic.”
The Town of Pine Knoll Shores and its PARC committee have supported Hope For The Warriors and local military families for over 19 years with its Annual Kayak for the Warriors events and the Angel Tree for the Children of our Warriors.
MEDIA CONTACT
Hope For The Warriors
Erin McCloskey
erin@etmccloskey.com
(336) 207-5222
ABOUT HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
