Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee

The Mission Viejo City Council on March 20, 2006 formally adopted the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division from Camp Pendleton to support the Marines and their families. Shortly after, the volunteer Mission Viejo Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee was formed.

The Committee joins forces with the Mission Viejo Community Foundation, City of Mission Viejo, local residents, organizations and businesses to provide year-round support to Mission Viejo's Marines and Sailors. Volunteers work to positively impact the lives of the brave men and women who protect our freedoms.

Marines & Sailors of the Headquarters Battalion

Headquarters Battalion provides command, control, administration and logistics for the 1st Marine Division. It consists of three companies: Communications Co, Headquarters Co and Truck Co. The Headquarters Battalion dates to December 23, 1913 when it was activated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Battalion includes about 1,200 Marines and Sailors.

Supporting our Adopted Troops

Our citizen-run adoption committee supports members of the Headquarters Battalion and their families by sponsoring ongoing programs such as:

Sending weekly care packages to deployed troops.
Coordinating an annual "Day at Lake Mission Viejo" for Marines and their families.
Subsidizing the cost for entry-level Marines to attend the annual Marine Corps Ball.
Visiting Marines at the Wounded Warrior barracks.
Distributing toys to the children of our Marines during the holidays. See Holiday Toy flyer for more information.
Providing emergency monetary or supply assistance to Marines and their families.
Providing baskets filled with goodies for newborns and expectant families. See Baby Basket Donation flyer for more information.
Presenting quarterly recognition to outstanding Marines.

How YOU can be Involved

Adopt a Marine
- More than 1,200 Marines and Sailors are supported every year thanks to generous donations from the community. With your $50 annual donation, a Marine can receive various benefits throughout the year. To donate, visit mvcommunityfoundation.org.
Donate toys to the children of Marines during the holidays. See Holiday Toy Flyer for additional information.
Donate items for baby shower baskets and deployed personnel care packages. Donation drop-off boxes are located year-round at the Library, City Hall and Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.
Volunteer for or attend fundraising events.
Adopt a Marine Family Gift-Giving Program
- City staff will link Marine families with generous community members interested in providing gifts that will be delivered to Camp Pendleton before the holidays. To adopt a family and for more information, contact adoptamarinefamily@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-470-3061.
You can make financial contributions online at mvcommunityfoundation.org and specifying "Marine Donation" in the comments, or by mailing your check payable to the Mission Viejo Community Foundation to:

Mission Viejo Community Foundation
200 Civic Center
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Attn: Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee

The Mission Viejo Community Foundation is a 501(C)(3) non-profit public charity. Tax ID #30-0291775.

For more information, contact RCS@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-470-3061.

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