For the first time in five years, the holiday Toys for Tots Train will roll through parts of the Capital Region, as well as Central New York and the North Country.

The 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Dunkin’ Toys for Tots Train hits the rails starting Saturday to deliver toys to up to 200,000 children across upstate New York, according to the schedule announced Monday by the Marines.

As part of the Capital Region program, the Marine Corps Reserve, in partnership with Amtrak, Norfolk Southern Railway, Web Rail LLC and train owner Bennett Levin, collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to underprivileged children in 14 counties.

A collection drive is underway at more than 100 Dunkin’ restaurants, which serve as dropoff points for toy donations.

Dunkin’ and its Capital Region franchises started the 2023 campaign last month with a $25,000 donation. Law enforcement, fire departments and businesses ensure every toy stays within the community, benefiting children throughout upstate.

Children and families can greet the train, spend time with Santa, receive baked goods and a stocking stuffer at the following time and locations on Dec. 2:

  • 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Delanson Fire Station, 1797 Main St., Delanson
  • 10:25 to 10:55 a.m. in the Cobleskill Fire Station, 610 E. Main St., Cobleskill
  • 12:05 to 12:40 p.m. at Oneonta Gas Ave. Rail Crossing, the train stop next to 70 Market St., Oneonta
  • 1:30 to 2 p.m. at the Freiot Ave. Rail Crossing, the train stop next to Danbridge Market, 1 Freiot Ave., Bainbridge
  • 3:20 to 4 p.m. at the East Binghamton Yard entrance, 5 Holmes Place, Binghamton                               

Due to logistical issues, the north run of the train will be completed by a tractor-trailer convoy on Sunday, Dec. 10. The tractor-trailer convoy returns for its sixth consecutive year at the following stops: 

  • 10:30 to 11:10 a.m. at Northeastern Clinton CSD, 103 NY-276, Champlain
  • 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, 702 Stowersville Road, Lewis
  • 1:50 to 2:30 p.m. at the Old Lowe’s parking lot, 1092 Wicker St., Ticonderoga
  • 3:30 to 4:10 p.m. at the Washington County Complex, 383 Broadway, Fort Edward 

To contribute, you can also visit toysfortots.org.