Today, we’re giving away everything from bikes to scooters, toys, and sports equipment, thanks to the generosity of our partners. And it’s not just here—thanks to UPS, we’ve already sent two semi-trucks full of scooters to military families at Los Alamitos in Southern California.”

Shane Hudella, President of UHL

In a season dedicated to giving, United Heroes League and Tradition Companies (UHL) have once again made an extraordinary impact on military families in the region. On a chilly December morning, the organization welcomed thousands of families to their holiday gift giveaway event, which, according to organizers, is expected to distribute over $2 million worth of gifts and toys, benefiting more than 5,000 families. The event was made possible through a generous partnership with local businesses, including Tradition Capital Bank, Gillyboo Sports, and numerous volunteers from the community.
“This is truly amazing,” said Shane Hudella, President of UHL and the event organizer. “Today, we’re giving away everything from bikes to scooters, toys, and sports equipment, thanks to the generosity of our partners. And it’s not just here—thanks to UPS, we’ve already sent two semi-trucks full of scooters to military families at Los Alamitos in Southern California.”
The heartwarming event kicked off with excitement and holiday cheer, as families lined up early, eager to receive their gifts. Among the volunteers, many were drawn from organizations like Tradition, Tradition Capital Bank, and the Minnesota Army National Guard. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure smooth distribution, while other festive elements added to the holiday spirit—Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance, alongside reindeer and elves, delighting children of all ages.
One of the most touching moments of the day came from Tip Enebak, a key figure behind the event. Enebak’s vision for the giveaway stemmed from a deep personal commitment to supporting military families. A Vietnam-era supporter, Enebak reflected on his own experiences and how they shaped his desire to give back. “I didn’t serve due to polio when I was young, but many of my friends did, and some didn’t come back. I want to do whatever I can to help military families,” he shared.
For Hudella, the best part of the event was seeing the smiles on the faces of the children. “It’s tough for military families around the holidays, especially when a parent is deployed. Seeing these kids and knowing we’re able to give them a little extra joy—it’s what makes all the work worth it,” he said.
Enebak echoed that sentiment and added his favorite piece, “I am just being amazed at how this all came together, and all the people out here, and what's going on? Just look in the parking lot,” he paused to compose himself, “just amazing.”
In addition to supporting military families, the event also reached out to children facing terminal illnesses. Hope Kids, a nonprofit organization that assists terminally ill children, was invited to the campus for the first time. “It’s incredible to see the impact of what we’re doing here today,” said Hudella. “It’s all about sharing resources and spreading goodwill. We’re helping each other, especially around the holidays. Their executive directory was on campus for the first time, and we figured out that we can have some Hope Kids out to skate and do other things on campus. For us, that's what it's all about with the military and with some of the other groups in the course for good is to help share resources and help each other out, and that's what the holidays are all about. We are glad to be able to do some extra smiles and some extra giving and super thankful for such a great team.”
This year’s event took months of planning and coordination, and it was clear that the effort paid off. Volunteers worked around the clock for weeks, unloading semi-truck after semi-truck of donations. “It’s a lot of hard work,” said Hudella. “But when we see the results and the smiles on the kids’ faces, it’s all worth it.”
While the day’s event is already a massive success, the organizers have their eyes set on the future. Enebak and Hudella both expressed hope that in years to come, the event could grow even larger, perhaps with an indoor venue or expanded space. “We’re already looking at how we can make this event even bigger next year,” Enebak said with a smile.
As the line of cars continued to grow, volunteers kept working at a rapid pace to distribute gifts. The support from the community— approaching 200 people in total—was evident in the smooth operation of the event. From sorting gifts to managing the crowds, each volunteer played an essential role in making the holiday spirit come alive for thousands of families.
“I think it is important for military kids and families to have something to do together,” said Sadie Grinsell. “It is hard to have somebody in the military, it is hard to be gone all the time, and it is hard to have somebody be gone.”
Grinsell is part of the Red Bull’s, the 34th Infantry Division who had just returned from Operation Spartan Shield, a 10-month deployment in the middle east.
“This is a little incentive, I know mom and dad are gone, but you get this thank you for your service and this is something we can do together. It is a way to make it a little easier,” added Grinsell. “There is research that shows when kids get something from their parents service, it can help with that anxiety and depression that kids might experience when their parents are gone, and I am lucky, I am not gone anymore.”
The success of this year’s giveaway is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and generosity. And as the event wrapped up, the organizers expressed their gratitude for the collective effort that made it all possible. “It’s not just about the gifts,” said Hudella. “It’s about making a difference, about coming together and showing our military families that we care. That’s what the holidays are all about.”
As the event continued into the afternoon, it was clear that United Heroes League had once again demonstrated the true meaning of the season—spreading joy, supporting those who serve, and making a lasting impact on the community.
To learn more about and to help their mission, visit www.giveuhl.org.