Temecula businesses can sign up now to host a donation box for the MilVet care package drive, an October collection for deployed troops that the city announced two days ago. The City of Temecula posted the call on its Instagram account on September 3, pointing businesses to MilVet.org/Temecula. What the Instagram post does not include: a full host list, exact October dates, or a sign-up deadline. Last year’s Temecula drive ran October 12 through November 12, 2025, with a September 29 host-signup cutoff. MilVet’s Temecula page now lists a November 1 drop-off date and a handful of locations; the city has not republished a 2026 window.
What the City Posted About the MilVet Care Package Drive
The city's sign-up request is directed at local businesses, while community members will be able to donate through participating locations. In its September 3 Instagram post, the City of Temecula wrote that "this October, local businesses can become an official MilVet donation location by setting up a donation box where the community can purchase or drop off new items for military care packages," and directed interested businesses to sign up at MilVet.org/Temecula.
The announcement says participating businesses will set up a donation box where community members can purchase or drop off new items. It does not mention volunteer shifts, fundraising minimums, or other participation requirements.
On the collection side, MilVet's Temecula drive page describes the effort as the City of Temecula teaming up with MilVet to collect items for deployed and active military troops and their families. The nonprofit's military care packages page is more specific about the end product: packages go to deployed military members with snacks, hygiene items, and letters of support inside.
Where Donations Can Go Right Now
The city’s Instagram post does not name drop-off sites. MilVet’s Temecula page does. New items can go to:
- Ronald J. Parks Community Recreation Center (city collection point), 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, (951) 694-6480, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., by November 1
- Anointed Martial Arts, 27464 Commerce Center Drive, Suite K, Temecula, (951) 265-4240, Monday–Thursday 3–7 p.m.
- Goddess 1 Teeth Whitening, 41593 Winchester Road, Suite 200, Temecula, (626) 788-6858, Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Items can also go to MilVet’s office at 33040 Antelope Road #114, Murrieta, any Tuesday from 1–5 p.m.; say the donation is for Temecula.
The host list can grow as more businesses sign up. Suggested items — jerky, protein bars, wet wipes, deodorant, letters of support — are listed at MilVet.org/military-care-packages. Skip aerosols, expired food, flammables, and homemade goods.
MilVet's Track Record: More Than 10,000 Packages
MilVet states on its homepage that it has shipped more than 10,000 personalized care packages to date.
The organization describes itself as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing local low-cost and free resources through educational programs and community outreach to enrich the lives of families, veterans, and seniors. Its care-package work sends deployed military members snacks, hygiene items, and letters of support.
MilVet was founded in 2016 by Raven Hilden, who worked as a Field Representative for the California State Senate and Assembly before starting the organization, according to a Canvas Rebel Magazine interview with her. For this drive, the City of Temecula is partnering with MilVet and directing interested businesses to the nonprofit's Temecula sign-up page.
How to Sign Up for a Donation Box, and What the Post Leaves Open
The city gives business owners one action: sign up to host a donation box at MilVet.org/Temecula. Its announcement does not state whether participation is capped.
Residents can donate now at the Parks Recreation Center and the two Temecula hosts already on MilVet’s list, above. The city post still does not say whether more storefronts will be added, whether participation is capped, or whether the 2026 box window matches last year’s October 12–November 12 dates. For a shopping list, use MilVet’s care-package page rather than guessing.
Residents can our free newsletter for the next local update. Questions on hosting a box: Raven Hilden, CEO@milvet.org.
