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.
How It Works
Cities Enroll - Each participating city designates a champion (a city official, chamber of commerce, service club, or community group) to lead its collection effort. Sign up to participate at www.milvet.org/battle2026. Flyers will be emailed to you. Encourage as many service clubs, businesses, schools and locations to participate as possible. Your city and champion location will be listed on MilVet’s website.
The Challenge Begins - Cities have the duration of the challenge period (October 17, 2026 - November 3, 2026) to collect donated items at drop-off locations throughout their community.
Items Are Tallied - MilVet counts and verifies each city’s total collected items at the close of the challenge. MilVet can pick up from one designated location per city between November 1-3rd or items can be dropped off at MilVet Tuesday 10/27 or 11/3 between 1-5pm.
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.
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.
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 - Support 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.
