Transit Toy Drive 2011

Help put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season by joining SamTrans and Caltrain at the annual Redwood City Hometown Holidays Festival & Fireworks Show Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The transit agencies will host a booth at the festival, and everyone is welcome. People are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or book for the Salvation Army and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.

Families and individuals who visit the booth will have a chance to mingle with holiday characters such as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. There will be festive activities and entertainment at the booth, and members of the Salvation Army and Marines will be on-hand to accept donations and hand out goodies.

SamTrans and Caltrain also will be participating in the Hometown Holidays Parade that will feature the SamTrans mini-bus. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m.

In addition to participating in the Hometown Holidays event, SamTrans and Caltrain will host a special afternoon toy drop-off from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28 inside the main lobby area of the San Carlos headquarters, 1250 San Carlos Ave. Participants will be treated to cookies and hot chocolate.

Last year, the Holiday Train was canceled due to Caltrain’s financial issues. Despite that, the Transit District created the Transit Toy Drive to continue the spirit of the Holiday Train. The event collected nearly 500 toys for Bay Area families in need during the holiday season.

The District finds itself in a similar situation this year and it has been decided not to hold the Holiday Train again. However, staff is currently working to the Holiday Train in 2012, so please stay tuned.

Happy Holidays!



11/4/11 - cfk & tcb