CALLICOON — Operation Toy Train will be coming to Callicoon on Sunday, December 7 and is scheduled to stop at the Callicoon Depot from 2:35 to 3 p.m. 

The train is sponsored by the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway, Operation Toy Train, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 

Operation Toy Train aims to collect over 40,000 new donated toys at 69 cities and towns across five states, including Callicoon, Hancock, and Narrowsburg. In all, toy collection trains will operate over 480 miles on ten different railroads that generously donate their rail cars, personnel, and time to operate the trains. 

Attendees at each stop can also meet Santa Claus, view a variety of historic railroad equipment, and meet members of the Operation Toy Train program.

Callicoon residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the train and to donate new toys in their original packaging (no gift wrapping). Toys can also be donated at the Callicoon branch of Wayne Bank during regular business hours, and at the Depot between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays between now and December 6. All of the donated new toys will be loaded aboard the train and delivered to the local Toys for Tots Foundation, which distributes them as holiday gifts to underprivileged children.  All of the toys collected in Callicoon will be distributed to children within Sullivan County.

The Callicoon Depot Inc (CDI) is hosting the train in Callicoon. The Depot will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on December 7. Snacks and beverages will be provided, along with caroling and other festivities. A silent auction of paintings by local artist Jay Brooks will be held, and prints featuring the depot will be available for purchase. Sales of the prints and paintings will help raise funds for renovating the Depot.

A used toy giveaway will also be part of the event in Callicoon on December 7. Residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted used toys that are still in good condition. The used toys will be displayed in the Depot’s freight room and kids will be invited to choose a toy of their liking to take home, at no charge, while supplies last. Used toys should be dropped off at the Depot only (please not at the bank) on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or by arranging a more convenient time by emailing CDI at allaboard@thecallicoondepot.org.

For more information and a full schedule visit www.operationtoytrain.org.