Family Information

People wrapping Christmas presents at a table decorated with holiday-themed wrapping paper, in a gymnasium with a basketball hoop in the background.

Hornets’ Holidays

Eligibility Criteria

To receive assistance through Hornets’ Holidays, your child must:

  • Live within the Valley Center School District (USD 262)

  • Be between the ages of 0–18 and reside in your household.

  • Fall under one of the following categories:

    • Currently enrolled in (USD 262)

    • Has a sibling in the house currently enrolled

    • Have a parent/guardian who works for USD 262

  • Be able to verify need if requested

  • Submit your application by the Final Date

Not sure if you qualify or have a question, reach out to us at fromthegroundup50@gmail.com 

Important Deadlines

⚠️ No late forms will be accepted.
You must meet all deadlines in order to receive assistance.

Table listing steps for a family application process, including dates for application opening and closing, forms due date, notification emails, and gift pickup day.

*Families must reapply every year. Just because you received assistance last year, does not guarantee it for this year*

New in 2025!

We want to make the process easier and more accurate for both families and donors. This year, you’ll choose one of the following two options when filling out your child’s gift info. All children you are claiming must use the same method. However, this is just a preference and From the Ground Up may need to make changes based on final application numbers.

🎁 Option 1: Amazon Registry Form

  • You'll submit your child's gift ideas using Amazon links.

  • Gifts will be added to a private Amazon registry and fulfilled by donors.

🎄 Option 2: Angel Tree Gift List Form

  • Choose this if your child’s wish list contains items not found on Amazon.

  • These children will be placed on an Angel Tree for donors.

Gift Guidelines – PLEASE READ

To make the process fair, we have set the following rules for 2025:

  • No bikes, video game consoles/games, iPads, or other large tech items

  • Each child's total gift list must not exceed $125 total value

  • If your list includes items outside of the guidelines or goes over budget, we reserve the right to edit, remove, or replace items

  • Our goal is to make sure every child receives a few meaningful gifts that fit, are age-appropriate, and bring joy

2025 Family Applications Open

September 21st - October 10th

Sign up

 FAQs

  • Yes! As long as you have one child inside of USD262 schools you are eligible.

  • Unfortunately, we have seen an increased demand in the last couple years. Because of this all steps must be completed by their deadlines. If the forms are not filled out on time, children will not receive gifts.

  • Yes. When you receive your gift pick up confirmation email, you will need to respond back with the name of the person picking up your gifts. They will need to bring a photo ID the day of as well. You can email us at fromthegroundup50@gmail.com

    1. Verification – We will contact USD 262 to verify your child’s enrollment. Out of District children and children under 5 may require other verification.

    2. Second Form – You’ll receive a link to a follow-up form that you will fill out for each child

    3. Gift Matching – Our team works hard to put together an Amazon registry or place your child on an angel tree.

    4. Family Notification Email – You’ll be contacted regarding whether or not we were able to help your family this year.

    5. Pickup Day – Come see us and pick up your gifts.

  • You can contact our team at fromthegroundup50@gmail.com. Be sure to include any relevant information. Please allow 24-48 business hours for a response.

  • Yes. Families must reapply every year.