Caltrain Toy Drive Puts Kohl's In Needy Kids' Stockings

Caltrain got a big head start on its annual toy drive, thanks to Kohl’s department stores, which is contributing 2,000 special edition PeanutsTM children’s books. The donation goes to the fifth annual Trains for Tots Special Holiday Train, which will run down the Peninsula this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4.

The Wisconsin-based department store chain will make the first major donation of toys or books ever in connection with Caltrain’s Trains for Tots Special. A representative from Kohl’s will be on hand to present the donation to Santa and the Marines, just before the Holiday Train rolls out of the station at 4:30 p.m.

Caltrain works with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, and the Golden Gate Railroad Museum, to coordinate the toy drive with a decorated holiday train, that entertains visitors at nine Caltrain stations, over two nights.

When the train arrives at each station, visitors will be treated to a 20-minute show. The Salvation Army brass band and a chorus will entertain on a stage car, while Santa and other holiday characters get off the train to greet kids and hand out candy canes.

Meanwhile, the Marines and Salvation Army will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from visitors, who want to provide a toy for needy children who might otherwise go without this holiday season. Kohl’s donation of 2,000 books is a third of the 6,000-plus toys donated last year.

The train starts both nights at the San Francisco Caltrain Station with musical entertainment at 4:30 p.m. and a chance to meet Santa before heading down the Peninsula. The same show will be repeated at four station stops each night. For the complete holiday train schedule, go here or call Caltrain at 1.800.660.4872 (TTY 650.508.6448).

12/02/05