'Shots For Tots' Christmas Drinks For Charity Launches Again This Season At 1909, Toast Restaurants

TEMECULA, CA — 1909 and Toast Restaurants in Temecula have announced the return of the Shots for Tots initiative, where good times meet great causes, in a recent news release. From December 2nd to January 5th, 1909, it transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, featuring captivating decorations that evoke the charm and beauty of winter.

Guests can look forward to a new selection of innovative Christmas drinks, ensuring every sip is filled with holiday cheer at 1909 (28656 Old Town Front Street) and Toast Temecula (31093 Temecula Parkway), both in Temecula.

How to participate? Order a $5 Christmas shot at either 1909 or Toast Restaurant, and patrons not only indulge in a delicious drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, but also play a vital role in shaping the futures of local youth.

"This holiday season, we invite the community to support local underprivileged youth by contributing to opportunities for Rancho Vista High School through the S.O.A.R. foundations and El Roi Foster Ministries," the release says. "Every dollar raised from the popular $5 Christmas shots at both 1909 and Toast Restaurants will directly benefit these essential organizations, creating a meaningful impact right here in our vibrant Valley."

Over the 2024/25 holiday season, 1909 and Toast Restaurants raised $55,400 for local foster charities. "It was a true testament to the generosity of our patrons, making a major impact on our community, dollar by dollar," a spokesperson said.

Allen Cameron, DM of both 1909 and Toast Restaurants, spoke on the cause and the campaign.

“Now, we’re excited to see our community rally together for such a meaningful cause this holiday season,” Cameron said. “Shots for Tots is about much more than sharing a drink; it’s about fostering connections and uplifting those around us.”

During the 2025/26 season, Toast Restaurants will embrace the whimsical spirit of the holidays with a playful gingerbread house theme from December 1 to January 4, creating a fun and inviting space for families and friends to gather.

"Along with beautifully crafted decor, guests can savor a holiday menu featuring seasonal craft food and drink items, perfectly tailored for the festive occasion," the release says. "Join us at 1909 and Toast Restaurants this holiday season, where every celebration is infused with creativity, warmth, and a commitment to giving back. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and enchanting decorations while making a significant difference in our community. Raise your glass for a cause, create smiles, and help us embody the true spirit of the holidays through giving back. Make a difference—one shot at a time!"

The Shots for Tots initiative was started in 2020 by the restaurants of 1909 and Toast in Temecula and Murrieta. They raised nearly $8,000 in their inaugural year. The program has consistently surpassed previous years' achievements, according to a spokesperson. To date, the restaurants have contributed over $25,000 dollars to the community, supporting a diverse array of charities, including Oak Grove Center, El Roi Foster Ministries, Spark of Love, Rose Again Foundation, No Kid Hungry, Koinonia Family Services, Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association, and Rancho Vista High School, among others.

"While 1909 and Toast take great pride in offering exceptional craft food and beverages, the core of our mission extends beyond culinary excellence," a spokesperson for the restaurants said. "We are deeply committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and continuously giving back to the community in meaningful ways each year."

About the charities involved:

"The Temecula S.O.A.R. Foundation, devoted to uplifting Rancho Vista High School within the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD), serves as a vital lifeline for students grappling with significant challenges like homelessness, foster care, language barriers, and poverty. These young individuals often find themselves without access to the resources and opportunities that many of us take for granted.

"The S.O.A.R Foundation's mission is to create a nurturing environment where every student can not only survive but flourish during their high school years. By fostering both academic and personal growth, the S.O.A.R. Foundation equips students with the essential tools they need to navigate and overcome their obstacles, enabling them to reach their full potential. Your donations will help finance tutoring services that address individual learning needs and support extracurricular activities that promote teamwork, collaboration, and holistic development. With your generosity through Shots for
Tots, students at Rancho Vista will gain access to vital resources—everything from sports equipment and transportation for field trips to graduation caps and gowns, as well as support for organizing engaging activities for students and parents. These are essential items and opportunities that many would struggle to access on their own.

"El Roi Foster Ministries plays a crucial role in supporting foster children in our community, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in their care receives the emotional, educational, and physical support necessary to thrive. Through comprehensive mentoring programs and essential resources, including clothing and school supplies, the ministry creates a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, valued, and loved.

"Understanding the unique challenges faced by youth aging out of the foster system, El Roi Foster Ministries offers an additional two years of support designed to equip these young adults with vital life skills and positive role models. This initiative not only helps them navigate the complexities of adulthood but also connects them with a supportive network that fosters resilience and independence. The ministry provides critical resources, including mentoring, counseling, job training, and internship opportunities, enabling these individuals to transition smoothly into adulthood. By investing in the futures of these deserving foster children through the Shots for Tots initiative, the ministry will not only transform individual lives but also strengthen our community as a whole," the release stated.

"At Toast Restaurants and 1909, we genuinely care about our community and are dedicated to making a positive difference through our initiatives, which focus on supporting local underprivileged children," they said. "We have engaged in fundraising efforts for non-profits benefiting children in need, organized events for foster families and students, and collected supplies to assist those in need. Together, we can create lasting change in the Valley!"

SO, head to Toast Temecula, or 1909, also in Temecula, to participate in this annual fundraiser.

Toast Murreieta remains closed following a restaurant fire at that location.

Related:

Toast In Murrieta Closed Until Further Notice After Fire Damages The Popular Eatery

'Toast' And '1909' Will Relaunch Shots For Tots Fundraiser In 2025

What To Try At Toast During Murrieta, Wildomar Restaurant Month