FALLBROOK – If local residents or businesses need someone to help hang Christmas lights, serve hors d’oeuvres at their open house or valet park cars for their holiday party or special event, they can hire a Marine or member of the U.S. Navy to do it.

Five years ago, Mark and Tori Baird discovered that Camp Pendleton military personnel were more than willing to work day labor jobs to put food on the table, fix a dented fender or buy a child’s birthday gift. All that was needed was a way to put them in touch with local residents needing occasional help.

These young men and women in un...