HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES

Santa Toy Drive

Help bring cheer to a military family this holiday season!

 

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!

Toy Drop off Locations:

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

Menifee

Doc Dental Smiles - 26910 Newport Rd Ste b Menifee

Murrieta

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

Progressive Health & Performance - 39400 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd Ste 122A, Murrieta, CA 92563

Ticor Title Company - 25220 Hancock Ave Ste 105 Murrieta, CA 92562

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches - 24635 Madison Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562

Riverside

D’Elia’s Grinders - 19009 Van Buren Boulevard #121, Riverside, CA 92508 (20% off your order with a toy donation of $5 or more!)

D’Elia’s Grinders - 2093 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507 (20% off your order with a toy donation of $5 or more!)

Temecula

Grace Mellman Library - 41000 County Center Drive Temecula, CA 92591

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

USSD - United Studios of Self Defense - 40335 Winchester Rd Ste J Temecula, CA 92591

Adopt a Child or Family

Choose a child and email military@milvet.org with the number of your child/children. All children who are visible on the website are still available for adoption and those who have been adopted have been removed.

Please 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)! Children below are grouped by families but can be adopted separately. Our distribution event is on 12/19/26 so we would like to have all of the gifts in by 12/15/26. For questions, please email us or call 951-384-0110. Thank you for blessing a military family this year!

Wish Lists (Child’s Number, Name, Age, Gender, wish list & clothing size):

199: Legend - 11 yrs (M) - Roblox card gift card, PlayStation gift card, One piece stuff, Michael Jackson stuff, Prince (the artist) stuff, Gaming headset (PlayStation), PlayStation 5 gaming fan, Gaming controller/headset stand

200: Aleiyah - 17 yrs (F) - kpop albums, manga ( vampire knight, fruits basket collectors edition, au haru ride), makeup, roblox, fortnite, Photo card album

201: T’Yahni - 3 mos (F) - Soft baby rattles, Baby sensory toys, Cute baby outfits (6-9 and 12months), Baby sleepers and pajamas, Soft crinkle books, Musical baby toys, Baby teething toys, Baby socks and headbands, Interactive baby toys with lights and sounds (3 months+), Diapers size 2-3 /wipes

202: Zyel - 3 yrs (M) - Bluey toys or character figures, Blippi toys, Monster Jam monster trucks, Monster truck playset, Educational learning tablet for toddlers, Interactive alphabet or number toys, Bluey interactive learning books, Toy cars and trucks, Talking or musical learning toys

203: Zoe - 11 yrs (M) - Roblox gift card, Drawing sketchbook, Professional-style colored pencils, Art supply kit, Drawing markers, LED bedroom lights, Gaming headset (PlayStation 5), Oreo-themed gifts or Oreo snack bundle, Drawing tutorial books, Gaming-themed bedroom decorations

204: Zion - 13 yrs (M) - Roblox gift card, Wireless gaming headset (PlayStation 5), Gaming-themed bedroom decorations, LED bedroom strip lights, Rock and mineral collection set, Crystal and gemstone collection box, Geode-breaking kit, Cool rocks or fossils to collect, LED display stand for crystals and collectibles, Rock and mineral identification kit

205: Sofia - 15 yrs (F) - loves books, gift cards and sightseeing

206: Alejandro - 13 yrs (M) - loves art, museums, food and travel

207: Emanuel - 10 yrs (M) - loves soccer, food, movies and ice cream

208: Teresa 7 yrs (F) - loves soccer, art, painting, museums, food and books

213: Daniella - 10 yrs (F) - FUjifilm instax camera, Fujifilm Instax Mini Twin Pack Film, bike (24-inch or a 26-inch wheel bike) pink purple are her favorite colors, Target gift card, old navy gift card. she likes katseye group she is size 10 in shirt

214: Juan - 15 yrs (M) - Gift cards: Old Navy, h &m , amazon, chipotle, raising canes

215: Adrian - 18 yrs (M) - Gift cards: Amazon, footlocker, costco, jack in the box

216: Omar - 15 yrs (M) - he likes the SD Padres and SD FC. Cotton on Gift card, soccer ball fifa video game

217: Abigail - 10 yrs (F) - She likes needoh, squeeze toys, target/claire's gift cards clothing size 12-14

220: Amber - 5 mos (F) - diapers huggies size 1 and wipes clothes size infant

223: Mia - 9 yrs (F) - art work, bead sets, drawing stuff

225: Amaya - 13 yrs (F) - autistic toys and musical toys

226: Yetta - 16 yrs (F) - gift cards, makeup, hair accessories, body and hair products

227: Abalene - 15 yrs (F) - instant camera, bows hair accessories, kpop stuff bts, black pink demon huntrix stuff

233: Soli - 13 yrs (F) - Gift Cards to Target or Amazon. Volley Ball. Acoustic Guitar. Curly hair products. Proactive Skin Care for acne. Clothes size: Women’s Large. Shoe Size: Women’s 9. Loves all the things trendy for 14 year olds. Y2K style.. Loves Disney Cars merchandise. Loves singing on worship team and Jesus merch/clothes

234: Ava - 13 yrs (F) - Gift cards to Target or Amazon. Waxing Hair removal kit. Electric Guitar. Curly hair products. Proactive Skin Care for acne. Clothes size: Women’s Large. Shoe Size: Women’s 9. Loves all the things trendy for 14 year olds. Y2K style. Loves musical theater and Jesus merch/clothes too

235: Jalyssa - 10 yrs (F) - Fugglers, Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty, merch from the band KatsEye, jewelry making kits, Hello Kitty items, Needoh

237: Kahlil - 10 yrs (M) - basketball training gear, iPad and engineer type building toys

238: Adriana - 7 yrs (F) - LOL dolls and LOL barbie house, Disneyland trip

239: Alaia - 2 yrs (F) - learning pad/tablet, pj masks toy set, balance bike

240: Amelia - 7 yrs (F) - she likes Miraculous, k-pop demon hunter, hello kitty, cats, horse, and legos, clothing small top and small bottom

241: Maximus - 5 yrs (M) he likes Spider-Man, Minecraft, Star Wars, Disney up and cars, legos, keychains, and sea animals. Clothing size xs top and xs bottom

242: Zander - 9 yrs (M) - Youth 12-14, anime, Vbucks Robux, camera, Amazon gift card PS5 gift cards, basketball training travel backpack

243: Vanessa - 11 yrs (F) - squishes, needohs, skin care, body scrub, acrylic markers, Roblox, gift card, shirt/sweater size 14

244: Rosalie - 11 yrs (F) - squishys, needohs, Pokémon cards, slime, scooter, Roblox gift card, shirt/sweat sweater size 12

245: Elia - 1 yrs (F) - squishy’s, toddler, toys, ride on toys, tricycle, clothes size 2T

248: Zoe - 11 yrs (F) - faith based gear, Christain books and journals, teenage or adult coloring books, adult coloring markers, body sprays, cozy robe youth large, clothing youth size large, shirt large, size 10-12, and shoes size 2 ½

262: Skyler - 3 yrs (M) - Toy Story, Monster jam mini surprise bags, jelly blox, Transformers toys, transformers cars, marvel toys, Buzz—lightyear toys, He loves Batman and robots toys

263: Cyan - 2 yrs (M) - Toy Story, Monster jam mini surprise bag, jelly blox, marvel toys, Transformer toys, transformers cars, He loves Buzz-light year from Toy Story and robot toys

264: Darian - 16 yrs (M) - loves books & is very health conscious. He’s very simple & would appreciate gift cards from any of the following stores: Barnes & Noble, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Amazon, Target

265: Elise - 11 yrs (F) - currently loves these stuffed animals called “FUGGLERS” - they can be found at Walmart or Target, she now loves fragrances (body sprays & perfumes), loves the store “Five Below” - they have cute pajama pants & tops there. She wears a SMALL in women’s size

266: Samuel - 12 yrs (M) - Nintendo switch joy con controller set (color blue and red or all grey set), baseball cards, pokemon cards, size youth large (quicksilver, oneil, surf brands), gift cards for fortnite vbucks, Game Stop, Amazon, Walmart, Target, olive garden, iIn-n-Out

267: Alexander - 8 yrs (M) - kids 3D printer, baseball cards, pokemon cards, size youth small (dodger apparel), gift cards for fortnite vbucks, Game Stop, Amazon, Walmart, Target, olive garden, In-n-Out

268: Sydnie - 17 yrs (F) - Size s or xs. Gift cards. Going to be going to college, so gift card to decorate room or for food. Loves Starbucks, Target, amazon, Ulta, Sephora

269: Jayden - 10 yrs (M) - beats (headphone), 14/16 male, small adult (diagnosed with Focal epilepsy and OSA)

270: Jairus - 17 yrs (M) - airports, medium adult (preferably red). Plays volleyball

271: Jin - 3 yrs (F) - she likes baby Toys with the stroller, she like dressing up like a princess, kitchen utensils pots and pans, running shoes size 8-9 toddler, she likes anything about heart (toys, gem, clothes) size 4 for clothes, any gift cards from ROSS, BURLINGTON, MARSHALS or TJMAXX

272: Charlotte 7 yrs (F) - Bike, soccer ball #3, pink soccer cleat size 2, fake jewelry, make up kit for kids, Books, pink Running shoes size 2, any gift cards from ROSS, BURLINGTON, MARSHALS or TJMAXX

273: Alecsander - 9 yrs (M) - any on sale BLUE soccer Cleats, Bike, pants size 10, any gift cards from ROSS, BURLINGTON, MARSHALS or TJMAXX

274: Jsan - 12 yrs (M) - any on sale/cheap F50 soccer cleats size 7-7.5 MEN, volleyball ball, Books ,any gift cards from ROSS, BURLINGTON, MARSHALS or TJMAXX

275: Hudson - 2 yrs (M) - warm clothes size 4t, shoes size 10, toddler puzzles, crayola mess free paper and markers, toy story, dinosaurs, stuffed giraffe, bath toys, Walmart gift card

276: Adalynn - 5 yrs (F) - shoes size 11, warm clothes size 6-7, crayola mess free paper and markers, crayola spill proof paint set, water wow coloring boards, LOL surprise, Walmart gift card

277: Karsyn - 13 yrs (F) - skincare, face masks, spa type products, bonnet, EOS Coconut Watermelon products, Medium baggy sweatpants, victoria secret gift card

278: Zoey - 17 yrs (F) - macha mix, EOS Vanilla Cashmere products, victoria secret body sprays, Ulta gift card, Minecraft gift card

279: Emily - 6 yrs (F) - loves hello kitty, painting/coloring, monster high barbies, kids makeup, k pop demon hunters, needohs , huge bts fan anything girly. size s 5/6

280: Xavier - 11 yrs (M) - pokemon, one piece, legos, roblox, mangas , gaming, giftcards, Size large men

284: Kim - 9 yrs (F) - baby dolls, reading books, drawing and art supplies, sewing supplies, toy kitchen sets and cooking accessories, clothing size 9

285: Aiden - 7 yrs (M) - LEGO building sets, building blocks, spiderman toys, remote-control cars, remote-control trucks, clothing size 7

286: Aria - 5 yrs (F) - baby dolls, kids’ fashion and dress-up toys, doll accessories, toy furry dogs, clothing size 6

287: Jordan - 13 yrs (F) - gift cards: target, amazon, hollister, raising cane, ulta, sephora, victoria secret. lego, puzzles, puzzle table, tachikara volleyball, volleyball training equipment, eos vanilla cashmere products, anything snoopy, vinyl record player

288: Riley - 9 yrs (F) - gift cards target, amazon, hollister, raising cane, tachikara volleyball, new balance size 3, hoodies xxs adult size, cricut joy 2 and supplies

289: Adam - 15 yrs (M) - Gift cards, new mountain bike

290: Angel - 14 yrs (M) - target, Walmart, Amazon or Fortnite gift cards, nerf gun, plain black/grey size medium men’s sweater, cologne

291: Leiah - 6 yrs (F) - kids makeup, squishmallows, warm jacket size 6/7, body spray, fake nails, clothing size 7

292: Ezrah - 4 yrs (M) - squishmallows, playdoh, warm jacket size 5/6, laser tag toy, clothing size 5/6

293: Ay'mani - 15 yrs (F) - Ulta gift card, Sephora gift card, Amazon gift card, visa gift card, ugg fur boots/ black size 8 1/2 or 9, lego gift card, Walmart gift card, Barnes and nobles gift card

294: Josiah - (M) - Vans Socks size Youth M, Ello Kids Pop & Fill 18oz Stainless Water Bottle, footlocker gift card for school shoes, Tri-Lakes Sportswear Gift Card in Menifee (School Uniforms), Furologee TV Stand, Entertainment Center with Open Shelves, Rustic Brown (Amazon), MooMee Duvet Cover Set 100% Washed Cotton Linen Like Full (Amazon), 47.2" Wide Oak 6 Drawer Dresser for Bedroom with Solid Wood Legs (Amazon), 3 Pcs Blackout Bunk Bed Curtains 78.7 * 59" Dorm Privacy Curtain (Amazon), Flexible Ceiling Curtain Track Ceiling Mount, Curved Curtain Rod, Sliding Curtains Track, Room Divider, Shower Curtain Rod, Wall Divider, 16.4 FT/ 5 M, Black ) (Amazon)

295: Nathan - (M) - Hiking Shoes water resistand size 12(would love Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX ), Nightstand,Farmhouse Bedside Table with Cabinet & Shelves, 18 x 18 x 24 Inches, White OakWood (Amazon), MooMee Duvet Cover Set 100% Washed Cotton Linen Like Full (Amazon), PURE BAMBOO Sheets 100% Genuine Bamboo Viscose, Full, Graphite (Amazon), PURE BAMBOO Sheets 100% Genuine Bamboo Viscose, Twin XL, Graphite (Amazon)) (Amazon)

296: Preston - 4 yrs (M) - Trains, Disney Cars, Toy Story, Legos, Scooter, Bike, Monster Jam, 3T-4T top and bottom

297: Logan - 1 yr (M) - Toy Story, climbing foams, Vtech rider, baby scooter, Sand-construction 18m-24m top and bottoms

298: Irene - 17 yrs (F) - crew neck shirts long sleeve size M, black with white old skool velcro vans, gift cards to ulta, in n out

299: Enrique - 8 yrs (M) - old skool vans black with white size 3, shirts size L (husky), gift cards Robux, in n out

300: Kaiden - 18 yrs (M) - clothes, size medium tops and 32/32 pants

301: Troy - 16 yrs (M) - clothes, size medium tops and 34 pants

302: Romeo - 15 yrs (M) - clothes, size small tops and 32 bottoms

303: Felicity - 17 yrs (F) - Pokémon, Godzilla items , Legos , Clothing size Medium oversized

304: Anthony - 15 yrs (M) - Gundam kit , Pokémon, Legos , PS5 remote controller, Clothing size Large 15/16

305: Eileen - 5 yrs (F) - twin XL dark pink Microplush Waffle Blanket, Serta PerfectSleeper Cool Ice Firm Support Pillow, princess accessories/custom, size 10-12

306: Evelyn - 5 yrs (F) - twin XL dark purple Microplush Waffle Blanket, Serta PerfectSleeper Cool Ice Firm Support Pillow, princess accessories/custom, size 10-12

307: William - 9 yrs (M) - military green Full size Microplush Blanket, Serta PerfectSleeper Cool Ice Firm Support Pillow, visa gift card for TEMU wish list, size L

308 - Porter - 12 yrs (M) - Full size Taupe Microplush Blanket, Serta PerfectSleeper Cool Ice Firm Support Pillow, visa gift card to buy sport accessories size XL

309: Eden - 7 yrs (F) - twin XL light Blue Microplush Ribbed Blanket, Serta PerfectSleeper Cool Ice Firm Support Pillow, princess accessories/custom, size 7

310: August - 2 yrs (M) - Lightening McQueen Cast members cars, lightening McQueen folding table and chair, dry erase desk with chair, children's books, clothing size 3T

311: Joshua - 11 yrs (M) - Nintendo switch 2 gift card, PlayStation 5 gift card, clothes size 12-14

312: Zion - 5 yrs (M) - Autistic/sensory toys, musical toys, puzzle toys, gift cards for shoes/clothes

313: Ace - 10 yrs (M) - Xbox, New controller/ Nike socks/ board games/ bike/ fishing items

314: Averi - 13 yrs (F) - Ulta/hollister/ bath and body works GC/softball/ leopard room decor/ slime kits

315: Anthony - 17 yrs (M) - Nike socks/gas and in n out gift cards/ paintballs

316: Emilia - 6 mos (F) - books, toys, clothing size 9-12

317: Shayla - 7 yrs (F) - anything bluey or gabby’s dollhouse item

318: Amelia - 6 yrs (F) - Elsa Bike, Fairy Doll (prefer darker skin tone), A Doll House, a new pencil case, 10 min cars

319: Aria - 4 yrs (F) - a Fairy doll, swishy dumplings, motor car, scooter, dolls, The Gabby Dollhouse

320: Yumi - 2 yrs (F) - loves demon slayers and Elmo female

321: Andrew - 8 yrs (M) - loves robloks and cars and Legos male

322: Giovanni - 5yrs (M) - like trucks and wears size 7 clothes and size Y1 shoes

323: Nairobi - 8 yrs (F) - likes to read and paint and wears size 8 clothes and size Y2 shoes

324: Amoy - 15 yrs (F) - likes to dance and wears Youth Medium and size 8 womens shoes

325: Aria - 7 yrs (F) - Nintendo switch, Barbie, Barbie doll house, Running shoes (3-4Y) Cowgirl boots (3Y), Cowgirl hat, Leggings (size 10), Sweatpants (size 10), Shorts (size 10), Earrings

326: August - 5 yrs (M) - Nintendo switch, Hot wheels race track, Lego set, Dinosaurs, Cowboy boots (3-4Y), Cowboy hat, Sweatpants (size 10), Shorts (size 10)

327: Juliana - 6 yrs (F) - Mermaid barbie, Legos, and arts and craft items (paint, sketch/painting pad, color pencils, wood items to paint

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.

-

“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

-

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

-

“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.