American railroad operators Norfolk Southern and Amtrak are once again supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to continue a tradition that has been ongoing for over 20 years.

On Saturday, 13th December, the Holiday Train will depart from Binghampton, New York to deliver toys and holiday cheer to families across the Northeast USA.

Since the project began, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation have collected hundreds of thousands of toys; since 2022, Norfolk Southern has donated nearly $500,000 to the foundation to support its mission.

This year, the train starts at Binghamton, where from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at East Binghamton Yard, 5 Holmes Place, there will be free doughnuts, hot chocolate, children’s activities, music, freebies, and holiday cheer.

The train will make further stops from 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. at Walnut Avenue. Crossing, Bainbridge, from 1:10 to 1:45 p.m. at Gas Ave Rail Crossing near 70 S Market St., Oneonta, from 2:55 to 3:25 p.m.: at Cobleskill Fire Station, 610 E Main St., Cobleskill, with a final stop from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.at Delanson Fire Station, 1797 Main St., Delanson.

Toys for Tots was established 78 years ago by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to provide children in need across the USA with the gift of a new toy or book at Christmas, to help their confidence and give them a positive memory to last a lifetime. Since its foundation in 1947, hope and has delivered the magic of Christmas to over 314 million economically disadvantaged children.

Patrick M. Lurenz, Coordinator, Marine Corps, commented that for over 75 years, Toys for Tots has worked to ensure every child experiences the magic of the holidays. Our collaboration with Norfolk Southern and Amtrak brings that mission to life on the rails, reaching families in ways that truly make a difference.

In 2023, Norfolk Southern Corporation donated $18.2m to organisations in the 22 states where it operates through its Corporate Giving initiative. Amtrak has started testing a new fleet of trains for the Northeast Corridor.

@We are proud to continue our annual tradition of celebrating the holidays with Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and Norfolk Southern in the Capital Region with Operation Toy Train. Combining the magic of trains, the festivities of the winter holidays, and the joy we can bring to children is one of the highlights of our year.”

Bruno Maestri, Amtrak Special Assistant to the President