HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES

Santa Toy Drive

Help bring cheer to a military family this holiday season!

 
DONATE
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Holidays for Heroes 2026 Sponsor.png

How You Can Help!

  • Teddy bear dressed in camouflage military uniform with matching hat, standing on a white background.

    Donate Toys

    New toys can be dropped off at one of our partner locations or choose a child from our online list and purchase 2-4 items from their wish list. Toys must be dropped off in new and original packaging by 12/15/26. We also accept gift cards (for older youth) and new clothing. Or click the button below to donate and we will do the shopping for you.

    www.milvet.org/donate/p/santasponsor

  • Two large red Christmas ornaments with white and gold star accents, displaying the words 'Merry' and 'Christmas'. They are placed on a white surface next to wrapped gifts with ribbons.

    Become a Sponsor

    Become a Sponsor for our Holidays for Heroes event. MilVet will be donating gifts to children and providing resources, entertainment, pictures with Santa and a meal to families for an afternoon of fun and festivities. Sponsor opportunities include tickets to the event, social media recognition, and more.

    www.milvet.org/donate/p/santasponsor

  • Group of five people at MilVet's Holidays for Heroes in festive and costume outfits posing outdoors with trees and a table of presents behind them.

    Provide a Service or Product

    We are looking for vendors including food, drinks, entertainment, crafts, stockings, holiday cheer, and more. Please email Raven at ceo@milvet.org for more information.

  • Shop the Walmart or Amazon Toy/Gift Registry!

    Shop for gifts from home and have them delivered to MilVet!

    Walmart

    https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/f4322570-b4ef-4060-8bf7-c372ddbfdf94

    Amazon

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1KZT5YJWUW4XC?ref_=wl_share

Sponsor

Gifts & Donations can be dropped off at locations during business hours

Toy Drop off Locations:

MilVet - 33040 Antelope Rd #114 Murrieta, CA 92563 (951-902-9681) - Drop off Tuesdays between 1-5pm

The Mexico Cafe - 44500 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592 (951) 365-0808 (Angel Tree available December 1st)

Adopt a Child or Family

Choose a child and email military@milvet.org with the number of your child/children. Drop off items at one of the drop off locations (include the child’s name in your bag) or drop off at MilVet on a Tuesday between 1-5pm at 33040 Antelope Rd #114 Murrieta, CA 92563. You can also shop for the items on Amazon and have them delivered directly to us (please include your child’s name in the gift comments)! For questions, please email us or call 951-384-0110. Thank you for blessing a military family this year through MilVet!

1: Neveah - 13 yrs (F) - Nike shoes size 7 woman, shirts size Youth medium, squishy toys

2: Zayden - 10 yrs (M) - Nike shoes size 7 youth boys, Nike shirts size 14/16 boys, black socks

3: Zyzek - 9 yrs (M) Nike shoes 4 youth, Nike shirts 12 youth, black socks

4: Zacchaeus - 5 Yrs (M) - Nike shoes size 12 toddlers, Nike shirts 7t, black socks

5: Scarlett - 2 yrs (F) - loves books, games, Duplos, art projects, size 3T or larger

6: Carson - Newborn (M) - not sure what he likes :), size 3M or larger

7: Willow- 3 yrs (F) - books, art supplies, markers, shoes (size 9)
8: Isabella - 2 yrs (F) - building blocks, art supplies, stuffed animals, shoes (size 7)
9: Dahliah - 1yr (F) - teethers, stuffed animals, sensory toys

Are you a military family who would like to attend the event? Please fill out the form below and send proof of service to military@milvet.org.

*Children must live in the household with the veteran, active-duty service member or surviving spouse. Riverside County residents only. Applications do not guarantee acceptance, please wait for a decision email. All children must attend the event on 12/19/26 at your scheduled time (between 12-4pm) with up to two adults. Gift requests are not guaranteed - we rely on community donations so gifts may vary. For questions, please email info@milvet.org. Thank you for your service!

Highlights from MilVet’s Holidays for Heroes 2025!

Video

Youtube Video - https://youtu.be/7hmMh78MBSI

Press

Valley News Article - https://myvalleynews.com/blog/2025/12/26/holidays-for-heroes-brings-cheer-to-local-veteran-families/

Photo Booth Photos

Here is the Live Gallery link with the option to download all of the files (Box/Arrow link) https://boothpics.com/IFOG


Photographer/Santa

https://www.ellieburguenophotography.com/Client/n-bLGPK/Millet-Christmas-2025



Testimonials

“ Happy New Year!

Thank you for the pictures, Milvet made the Christmas a special one. The kids had so much fun at the event, the music, making crafts, meeting the characters, and the overall Christmas spirit. Then on Christmas morning they opened their gifts and they were so happy. You guys did an awesome job. You guys went out of your way to get them what was on their wishlist and they loved it. They got new shoes and clothes and that is a huge help. We really appreciate it all your support and what Milvet does for Veterans families. Thank you so much for all the support and for the Christmas tree. You made Christmas a special one and we really appreciate it. Have a great day and god bless.”

T. O.

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“Dear MilVet and Sponsors

Thank you sincerely for welcoming our family to be part of the Holidays for Heroes event. We are deeply grateful for the support, generosity, and care shown to military families. Our family had an incredible time filled with fun, laughter, and meaningful moments. It was truly special to spend time together in such a thoughtful and uplifting environment, and we made memories that will stay with us for years to come. Events like this remind us how strong and supportive the military community is, and we appreciate all the time and effort that went into honoring service members and their families. Thank you for everything you do in support of those who serve.”

With deepest appreciation,

F. Family 12/20/25

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Raven and volunteers

“I just wanted to say thank you for hosting this event.

The holidays have been hard and the amount of gifts that were provided for my girls well exceeded what I was able to provide them. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. We are so very grateful to you and all the people who put in the effort to make this event possible. Please don’t ever stop doing what you are doing. You have made such a difference for us.”

Blessings,

US Army Veteran 12/20/25

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“Happy new year Raven, 

It was wonderful! Thank you for organizing such a meaningful event. We are so grateful for your support and the help you have provided for our community!!! I meant to message you after the event but was busy with the children: 

I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the incredible Holidays for Heroes event last month. It was truly beautiful in every sense, thoughtfully organized, filled with heart, and deeply impactful.

What you created went far beyond an event. It was a reminder of community, gratitude, and care for those who give so much of themselves year-round. The love, intention, and effort poured into every detail did not go unnoticed, and it meant so much to everyone who had the honor of being part of it.

Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and your commitment to honoring our heroes in such a meaningful way. Events like this leave a lasting impression, and I’m so grateful to have witnessed the joy and connection you brought to so many.

Please know how appreciated you are, and how powerful the work you’re doing truly is.

With heartfelt thanks and gratitude,”

J.

Group of people in Christmas costumes and casual attire gathered on stage with a festive backdrop, including Santa Claus, Grinch, and holiday decorations at Holidays for Heroes 2025
Two young girls are standing on stage next to a person dressed as Santa Claus sitting in a large, ornate white and gold chair at the Holidays for Heroes MilVet in Murrieta. One girl is receiving a gift from Santa Claus.
People posing with Santa Claus on a decorated stage with Christmas tree and holiday signs including a Congresswoman.
People dressed in Christmas costumes standing in front of decorated Christmas trees.
Two people dressed as Grinch characters in Santa costumes with green fur and masks, standing together at a holiday event.
A family of five standing in front of a Christmas-themed backdrop with decorations, including ornaments, stars, and a Christmas tree, on a patio or outdoor area.
Group photo at a holiday event with four women wearing holiday accessories, standing in front of a silver sequin backdrop, with festive decorations and sponsorship logos at the bottom.
Room filled with many overfilled bags of wrapped Christmas presents, some with Christmas-themed wrapping paper, in a large indoor space with a few people in the background and a bicycle in the corner.
A round table filled with various toy dolls, stuffed animals, and doll accessories, with a small blue and purple children's bicycle in front, set in a toy or hobby store.
Two men posing in front of a Christmas-themed backdrop with decorated trees, ornaments, and red stars. One man wears an elf hat with reindeer ears, sunglasses, sunglasses, and has tattoos on his arms. The other man has a beard and is smiling. Both me
A woman wearing reindeer antlers, sitting at a table with promotional materials, in front of decorated Christmas trees and Christmas balloons, smiling.
Four people dressed in Christmas-themed costumes posing in front of a festive background at Santa's Toy Shop.
Santa Claus sitting on a golden throne with two children and their mothers, a Christmas tree in the background, and a signpost with holiday-themed destinations.
Three people standing together at an indoor event, smiling at the camera. The person on the left is wearing a navy U.S. Navy shirt, a cap, and sunglasses on his head. The person in the middle is wearing a black blazer and has a handbag. The person on
A man dressed as an elf and a woman dressed as Mrs. Claus smiling for a photo at a festive holiday event.
Three people standing together dressed in festive holiday costumes and casual wear, smiling for a photo at a holiday event with a decorated stage in the background.
People dressed in Christmas costumes posing together under a sign that says 'It's a Wrap', with holiday decorations and a Christmas tree in the background.
A holiday-themed photo booth image titled "Holidays for Heroes" featuring two young women dressed as princesses in pink and blue costumes with tiaras, standing in front of a silver sequin backdrop. The photo includes sponsor logos at the bottom and a
Five people celebrating Christmas, with one dressed as Santa Claus, one in a Santa hat, and others wearing festive accessories, set against a shiny, sequin background.
Three girls standing next to a person dressed as the Grinch, sitting on an ornate throne, in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Christmas-themed signs are on the left, and there is a fireplace with stockings hanging in the background.
A table covered with a white cloth displaying information about Vet Center in Temecula with promotional materials, pens, and patriotic decorations, including red, white, and blue colors and small American flags.
Santa Claus sitting on a gold and white chair with an elf leaning toward him, on a stage decorated for Christmas with a Christmas tree, stockings, candles, and a wreath in the background. A signpost with holiday-themed labels is on the left.
Group of five people standing in front of a decorated table with Christmas gifts, with a Christmas tree in the background, during a Christmas celebration. Two women are dressed as Disney characters Ariel and Belle.
Group of people in costumes at a Christmas event, featuring characters like Deadpool, Captain Marvel, and Captain America, with children and festive decorations in the background.
A group of children and an adult woman with a Santa hat playing in the snow outdoors, throwing and catching snow, smiling and having fun.
Two young girls in holiday costumes laughing and covering their mouths with excitement as they sit next to Santa Claus with a Christmas tree in the background.
A group of children and adults gathered around Santa Claus, who is seated on a wooden bench outdoors. The scene is decorated with Christmas trees, ornaments, and festive banners, with everyone smiling and dressed in holiday-themed clothing.
Children sitting with Santa Claus at a Christmas event, with a decorated Christmas tree and festive backdrop in the background.
Temecula fire fighters and children in pajamas standing in front of a red fire truck, some children holding gifts, with two men dressed as Santa Claus and an elf for MilVet gift deliveries.
A woman wearing a Santa hat and a Christmas sweater with colorful pom-poms, sitting at a table with Christmas-themed cookies and cupcakes. The table has a red and black checkered tablecloth, and the background features a wooden wall and a sign that s
Family photo with Santa Claus, a woman, a man, and a young boy outdoors, Christmas decorations including trees, ornaments, and a pink backdrop.
A child sitting beside a person dressed as the Grinch in a Santa outfit, with a Christmas backdrop, both smiling at the camera.
Santa Claus sitting on a bench, holding two children dressed in Christmas outfits, with Christmas decorations and ornaments in the background.
Santa Claus skydiving with a parachute decorated in red, white, and blue colors.
Group of people celebrating at a holiday toy drive event, wearing festive decorations such as Christmas hats and light-up accessories, holding signs like 'Party Time!' and 'Ahhhhhh!', smiling and posing for a photo
Two men smiling in front of a Christmas party scene, with a decorated stage and children and adults in festive clothing.