Every year since 2009 (except for 2020), Operation Toy Train runs special trains during the holiday season to collect donated toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation.

Toys for Tots collects toys during October, November, and December each year and distributes them as holiday gifts to underprivileged children in the communities where the campaigns are conducted.

Operation Toy Train stops at multiple locations across four states, where members of the public can drop off toys, meet Santa Claus, view a variety of working railroad equipment, and meet members of the Marine Corps and the Operation Toy Train program. Bring your camera, Santa loves to take pictures with his friends!

Near each stop, our local business and organizational partners have large Toys for Tots collection boxes which are then brought to our train. Members of the public who can’t attend the train are encouraged to drop off new toys in their original packaging at these local collection points in October, November, and the first week of December. If your business or organization is interested in becoming a collection site, visit our get involved page for more information.

Five railroads (and their personnel) donate their time, equipment, and the use of their tracks to Operation Toy Train each year. Additional railroad equipment, funds, and volunteer staff come from a number of additional nonprofit and for-profit organizations. See what organizations are already on board at our sponsors page.