BAINBRIDGE – Approximately 100 people gathered Saturday morning at the corner of Walnut and South Main railroad crossing to take part in the Toys for Tots Christmas train stop, held at the site for the first time this year. In years past, the train would stop in Sidney and changed locations just this year.
Children awaited patiently as the sounds of the Canadian Pacific locomotive whistle were heard. “I hear it ... here it comes,” said an excited toddler nearby and numerous others as they waited.
As the train came to a stop, Santa Claus emerged to a cheering crowd. The atmosphere was complete as Christmas music played loudly in the background and children immediately started lining up to see Santa and get a new toy from his big red gift bag.
Santa, along with Mrs. Claus, local volunteers dressed as elves and well over a dozen United States Marines took part in handing out toy after toy to all the children who came to watch the many volunteers unload the numerous bags of toys for the toy drive held annually across the country for the past 60 years.
“This is my first time doing this,” said Gunner Sergeant Chris Hale. “I think it’s great.”
The Toys for Tots drive is designed to give every child a new toy for Christmas and is funded by the United States Marine Corps, along with the sponsor many merchants and individuals locally and regionally take part in ensuring this dream becomes a reality for every child during the Christmas season.
Local volunteer and elf Heather Morgan says she has taken part in the event every year by helping to hand out toys. “This is a great opportunity, whether you donate or take part in receiving gifts, it is something everyone should look into,” said Morgan.
For roughly an hour, volunteers unloaded and reloaded toys from the train. Dozens of bags were unloaded not only for the Toys for Tots campaign but also for numerous non-profit foundations that provide toys for needy children. As children received gifts from Santa, many local residents handed new unwrapped toys to the Marines to be given to others.
After all the children received their gifts and cookies, the Marines and volunteers aboard the train received a gift from the many volunteers. Pizza and wings along with water and soda from local merchants were loaded onto the train as a thank you to everything the Marines and others help do year after year.
“It is a tradition every year. Some of them know we may do it but it is always a nice surprise,” said local Toys for Tots coordinator Roger Barnhart.
After all the toys were handed out, Santa and his helpers waved goodbye and there were tables filled with hot chocolate and goodies for those who took part in the day’s event.
As the train started down the track, the nine cars could be seen filled window-high with black bags full of toys for the hundreds of children who would not have a Christmas without them. The locomotive full of toys travels through New York state and makes several stops along the way from Binghamton to Albany to spread Christmas cheer.