Residents and officials of the Village of Montgomery, despite dealing with chilling downpours and muddy shoes, arrived at Railroad Avenue last Sunday, December 10, and donated loads of toys to Operation Toy Train, a nonprofit organization that collects gifts for children in need this holiday season.
Every year, between October and December, the organization’s trains embark across northeastern states, stop at various towns and cities, and collect toys from their respective communities. Once gathered, members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation distribute those toys to children who are less fortunate within those communities. The organization collects roughly 30,000 toys annually.
The Village of Montgomery has participated in the toy drive for over a decade after Trustee Mike Hembury and his wife Sue got involved with the organization. All toys that the village donates go toward giving children in Orange and Sullivan County happier holidays.
This year, the toy train stopped at Railroad Avenue around 12:45 p.m., announcing its presence with a loud whistle. The village community, a little soaked, cheered and greeted the train upon its arrival, and for the next hour, offered toys to its volunteers.
“So far, for a rainy day, it’s been pretty good,” said Carolyn Hoffman, president of Operation Toy Train.
While the volunteers stowed away the gifts, Santa Claus made a surprise visit and hung out with the younger residents. A few vendors provided hot food and drinks to help keep attendees warm, and members of Boy Scout Troop 30 sold snacks.
“It’s cool to see Santa and give toys to children,” said Amy Frisbie, a resident. Her twins, James and Owen, remarked that the toy drive was very good.
“I just like trains,” said Nate Lester, a younger resident whose family participated in the drive. Lester suggested that there should be “more trains” next time.
Logan DeGroat and Mason Siegel, two Boy Scouts who sold snacks to passersby, thought that the toy drive was “really helpful.”
During that afternoon, Operation Toy Train collected 1,409 toys from the village alone, adding to its current total of over 33,000 toys and helping ensure a jolly season for every child.
“It went awesome. On a rainy day, we got more than anyone else,” Hembury said. “But it’s not a competition, we’re just trying to give as much as we can.”