The Record reports that after news that a Wall Street sponsor had to forfeit its annual donation to the Toys for Tots holiday train, Dunkin’ Donuts on Monday donated $20,000 to keep the train fueled up with toys for 2009.
The money from Dunkin’ Donuts will be used to directly purchase as many as 30,000 toys for this year’s collection and support the Holiday Toy Train’s 2009 run across 12 communities from Binghamton to Albany to Plattsburgh.
“We are grateful beyond words for the support that Dunkin’ Donuts and their franchisees have provided us to keep our holiday train on track this season,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Albert Roman, who serves as Toys for Tots coordinator in the Albany area. “We were in dire straits after our longtime sponsor was forced to drop out due to the financial difficulties on Wall Street. The thought of not being able to make the train’s run this year was devastating, especially after such a tough year for so many families. Dunkin’ Donuts has literally come to the rescue.”
The local Toys for Tots train is fueled by a 10-year partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps, Freihofer’s Bakery and the Canadian Pacific Railway. The train makes stops between Binghamton and Delanson on Dec. 5 and between Albany and Plattsburgh Dec. 6, with elves, Santa Claus and Marine volunteers distributing mittens, gloves, hats, cookies and gifts to needy children throughout New York state.
For details on the times and locations of the train’s stops, go to www.saratogian.com.
“When Dunkin’ Donuts received word that this year’s collection drive was in jeopardy, we knew we could not allow a 10-year tradition to fall off the tracks,” said Eric Stensland, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts.
“We are honored to keep the Toys for Tots Train running on Dunkin’ Donuts this holiday season. Our local store owners and I are indebted to the work of these incredibly dedicated Marines, staff and volunteers who bring so much joy to so many children each year and we are truly thrilled to be part of their extraordinary efforts.”
Thousands of toys are also delivered at each station stop to local non-profit organizations, which, in turn, distribute the toys to those in need in their communities.
Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees will join the Marines on the train’s two-day run this year. In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts will warm up the volunteers and families at each station with complimentary hot chocolate and doughnuts.
Alpin Haus will donate an RV to the Toys for Tots Foundation to collect toys at each of the drop locations. The Alpin Haus vehicle is literally transformed into a Holiday Cruiser RV to allow the Marines to deliver presents to charitable foundations and children throughout New York.
