Volunteers from the Marine Corps League and Dunkin’ Donuts raided the Toys “R” Us in Colonie Wednesday, Nov. 14 in preparation for the fourth annual Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train headed across New York State.
The toy collection program has recently transitioned from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to the Marine Corps League, a volunteer association comprised of enlisted and retired marines.
Dunkin Donuts recently contributed $25,000 to purchase toys for thousands of children. The company gave an additional $5,000 for purchasing winter coats to give to children along the train’s route. The train, presented by Canadian Pacific, will trek across 12 communities throughout the state to hand out toys to children from Binghamton to Delanson on Saturday, Dec. 9 and Albany to Rouse Point on Sunday, Dec. 9.
Field Marketing Manager of Dunkin’ Donuts Eric Stensland has ridden the Toys for Tots Train every year.
“It’s unbelievable to see the smiles on these kids faces. As soon as the train pulls up and Santa gets off, all the rest of us look out the window and see these kids face drop, they’re just in just awe,” Stensland said. “When they actually get that toy or that nice warm coat, they leave with the biggest smile of the season.”