EGG HARBOR TWP.- For many military families, it can be difficult getting into the holiday spirit knowing their loved one is gone or about to be deployed. So a nationwide program has stepped in to decorate the homes of deserving military families to brighten up the season, if only for a little while.

The Decorated Family Program was founded 8 years ago to literally bring light into the homes of military families. It's something volunteers say is the least they can do for those who sacrifice so much.

The crew from Christmas Decor by Fresh Cut was busy Wednesday afternoon stringing up the lights of red, white and blue at the McCline home in Egg Harbor Township.

They're decorating in honor of David McCline, a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran who sadly passed away in October. "It must be very tough. They don't have the time to deal with that, probably don't have emotions in them to put all that decorations up and everything so it's one thing we can make a little easier for them and maybe brighten their holiday a little bit. It's just a little bit of warmth in their kind of sad Christmas," said Shawn Ferrie, co-owner of Christmas Decor by Fresh Cut.

The family was nominated by friends in an online contest because David loved Christmas so much and they were chosen along with two other South Jersey military families. "Well, the whole family got into it but this was his, like, pride and joy, his way of spreading some happiness I suppose," said David McCline's youngest son, Tim.

And now, thanks to Decorated Family, they're hoping that happiness will live on and inspire others to give thanks and remember those that gave and continue to give so much for our country. "I think this program is fantastic, I don't think there's enough programs where people actually help veterans and military and it's, they're really people that are easily forgotten it seems, so this is fantastic."

The all-volunteer organization will be decorating more than 100 military family homes across the country this season.