Battle of the Cities 2026
MilVet’s Military Care Package Challenge
Battle of the Cities is MilVet’s friendly community competition that unites neighboring cities in a race to collect the most donated items for military care packages. Over the course of the challenge, participating cities rally their residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations to donate snacks, hygiene items, letters of encouragement, and other care package essentials for our deployed troops.
At the end of the challenge, donations are tallied and the winning city earns the coveted Battle of the Cities trophy, bragging rights for the year, and recognition at MilVet’s care package packing event - where volunteers from all participating cities come together to pack and ship the collected items to service members overseas.
No matter which city takes home the trophy, our troops are the real winners. One Mission. Multiple Cities. One purpose.
Participating Cities - Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Norco, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester
COLLECT ITEMS FOR YOUR CITY
Donations accepted October 17, 2026 - November 1, 2026
The Challenge Begins - Cities have the duration of the challenge period (October 1, 2026 - November 1, 2026) to collect donated items at drop-off locations throughout their community. MilVet can pick up from one designated location per city between November 2, 2026 or items can be dropped off at MilVet - 33040 Antelope Rd #114 Murrieta, CA 92563 on Tuesday 10/27 or 11/3 between 12-5pm.
Items Are Tallied - MilVet counts and verifies each city’s total collected items at the close of the challenge.
Everyone Packs Together - Volunteers from all cities unite at a MilVet care package event on November 14, 2026 at Temecula Valley High School to pack the donations and send them to deployed troops for the Holidays. Registration is required (form below).
A Champion Is Crowned - The winning city receives the Battle of the Cities trophy and is celebrated across MilVet’s social media, website and local press.
Most-Needed Items - Unopened, unexpired bulk items from the following list. Expiration dates must be visible and legible. Items can also be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/N3KW2FTMXXET?ref_=wl_share and shipped directly to MilVet (please specify your city in the comments section for your city to receive credit). Items - beef jerky, protein bars, coffee, powdered drink mix, canned meats, unopened packages of candy, trail mix, fruit snacks, chapstick, wet wipes, deodorant (men and women), travel-size Q-tips.
Why Participate - To Show Support For Our Troops! Every item collected goes directly into a care package from a deployed service member
Build Community Pride - Friendly rivalry brings residents, businesses, and schools together around a meaningful cause.
Drop Off Locations:
Calimesa: City Hall - 908 Park Avenue, Calimesa, CA 92320
Canyon Lake:
Hemet: City Hall - 445 E Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92543
Lake Elsinore: City Hall - 130 S Main St, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Menifee: City Hall - 29844 Haun Rd, Menifee, CA 92586
Murrieta: City Hall - 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562 For a list of participating businesses or to register your business, visit www.milvet.org/murrieta2026
Norco: American Legion Post 328 - 3888 Old Hamner Rd. Norco, CA 92860
Temecula: Temecula CRC - 30875 Rancho Vista Rd, Temecula, CA 92592. For a list of participating businesses or to register your business visit www.milvet.org/Temecula
Wildomar: City Hall - 23873 Clinton Keith Road Suite 110 Wildomar, CA 92595
Winchester: Winchester VFW Post 4379 - 28780 Whittier Ave, Winchester, CA 92596
Sponsors Needed!
Our goal is to ship 1,000 boxes and we need sponsors to help with shipping costs! Feature your business and generosity at the event and on promotionals by clicking here: https://milvet.org/donate/p/battle2026
Thank you to our current sponsors - Pechanga Resort & Casino, Riverside County Supervisor, 3rd District Chuck Washington, 911 Recovery Services, The Grey Legal Group, Jags Gives Back, Legion Pest
Part 3 - Military Care Package Event
Register to Volunteer at the Care Packing Event on November 14, 2026 at Temecula Valley High School.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for joining MilVet's 2026 Battle of the Cities! We've received some great questions, so here are quick answers to help your team get ready.
What is Battle of the Cities?
A friendly competition between local cities to see who can contribute the most to care packages for our deployed troops. Every item collected goes directly into packages shipped overseas.
Which cities are participating?
Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Norco, Temecula, Wildomar, and Winchester.
How is the winner decided?
The city with the most points wins.
How are points counted?
One package equals one point. MilVet counts items the way they're typically sold in a store, with a UPC code. For example:
- A single LifeSaver doesn't count, but a bag of 50 does (1 point).
- Protein bars usually come in a box of 12, so one box is 1 point. A Costco box of 48 bars is 4 points.
You're welcome to keep your own tally, but for consistency, MilVet will do the official count for every city.
Do monetary donations count?
Yes! Every $2 donated equals 1 point. Monetary donations are what make shipping the packages possible. Donate at www.milvet.org/donate and let us know which city you are supporting by emailing ceo@milvet.org. You can also drop off a check, or pay via Venmo with number 951-384-0110.
Sponsors who give $500 or more will be featured on our flyer and in every care package sent overseas. Please send any interested sponsors my way so I can include their logo on all promotional materials. There will also be an award for the largest monetary donor, and Pechanga Resort is currently in the lead!
What items should we collect?
Most-needed items include protein bars, canned meats, nuts, dried fruit, coffee, beef sticks, deodorant, wet wipes, and toothpaste. For the full list, visit www.milvet.org/military-care-packages.
Please avoid glass, aerosols, perishables, items without an expiration date, and anything that expires before December 1. These can't be shipped and won't be counted.
Can we shop online?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to give! Use our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/N3KW2FTMXXET?ref_=wl_share
Items ship directly to MilVet. Please note your city in the gift message/comments so your city receives credit.
Can businesses and organizations get involved?
Absolutely! Rally your local businesses, organizations, schools, and community members. They can drop off donations at your city's designated location or directly at MilVet any Tuesday from 1-5 PM.
Can we create our own flyer?
Yes. Most cities are creating their own branded collection flyers. If yours doesn't have one, you're welcome to use ours; I've attached both a donation flyer and a Packing Day flyer. We also encourage you to post on social media and tag or collab with MilVet. We're happy to reshare for extra exposure!
When is the collection deadline?
Please wrap up collections by Sunday, November 1, and deliver everything to MilVet on Tuesday, November 3, between 1-5 PM:
MilVet, 33040 Antelope Rd. #114, Murrieta, CA 92563
Need a pickup? The MilVet team can collect on Monday, November 2. Just let us know by October 22 so we can plan accordingly.
When and where is Packing Day?
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1-4 PM, at Temecula Valley High School. Each city is welcome to bring volunteers to help pack. Reservations are required so we can have enough supplies – www.milvet.org/battle2026.
One representative from each participating city (Mayor, City Council member, or City Hall staff) is invited to speak for up to 2 minutes. Please register your representative at www.milvet.org/battle2026 and reply to this email with their name, title, and city.
How will the winner be announced?
Live at Packing Day, where the winning city will be presented with the grand trophy!
Who do we contact with questions?
Reach out to me anytime at ceo@milvet.org or 951-902-9681.
Thank you for standing with our troops and showing them their hometowns haven't forgotten them. May the best city win!