¨Operation Toy Train¨ was created for children in need to get the presents they want for Christmas.

The goal is to make a child’s Christmas as happy as possible with the toys Santa had brought to them on a train. This amazing organization travels to many towns in Northern Jersey creating smiles on thousands of children’s faces. Hawthorne is one of the towns that helps make this possible. Donations of toys are provided by local businesses. Each year the number of toys donated increases. Last year 500 toys were donated and this year, there were 900 toys. This shows the generosity of people and how they want to give a kid a wonderful Christmas.

It is amazing to see all the happy children. Santa even stops by and takes pictures with the kids and their families. Everything about this day is special! Even the train cars are historic, such as the passenger cars and the caboose. These train cars will end up in the Port Jervis museum someday, in Port Jervis NY. 

My mother is a first grade teacher in the Haledon school district that has a lot of needy children. My mother and the staff at her school all pull together to buy gifts for the children in their district that are in need. I am very proud of my mother and all of the people that help out and donate toys for ¨Operation Toy Train.” I feel very blessed to have a family and community that cares so much for the children and families that need help. Giving in the holiday season, in my opinion, is the most important thing that people can do.