On December 14, the holiday season came early for children throughout New York’s Capital Region, thanks to a collaboration between Norfolk Southern, Amtrak, railcar owners John Webb III of WebbRail and Bill Gray of Pullman, Inc., and Dunkin’. This year, Santa Claus himself boarded a special holiday train, bringing with him the joy of Christmas and delivering toys to children in need through the Capital Region’s Toys for Tots program.

For a second year in a row, this special holiday train carried Santa and over 50 volunteers, across five stops to deliver holiday joy. Railroaders from our Keystone Division helped to run the train and safely deliver holiday cheer to these communities.

“Our work with Marine Toys for Tots is about more than delivering toys—it’s about connecting communities and showcasing what’s possible when the public and private sector come together to serve a greater purpose,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George.

“We’re not just giving back to a community; we’re also supporting the places where our railroaders live and work. These are our neighbors, and by giving back, we’re investing in their well-being this holiday season,” said Kristin Wong, Director, Norfolk Southern Foundation and Community Impact.

The partnership provided much-needed winter essentials and other items to families in the region, including:  

• 14,500 toys
• 5,000 stocking stuffers
• 600 boxes of cookies
• 500 handmade fleece blankets
• 250 Squishmallows
• 300 coats, plus hats, gloves, and mittens
• 2 cases of high-end HO Scale train sets

Norfolk Southern also contributed $100,0000 to the Toys for Tots Foundation this holiday season.

Watch more from the event here: