Railroad museum holding toy drive, activities

THOMASTON — The Railroad Museum of New England is hosting a Toys for Tots collection train drive, in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reservists. Members of RMNE are asking the community to drop off unwrapped gift donations so they can “stuff” a train car. Curbside dropoff is available. The drive will be held from 12-4 p.m. Nov. 23 and Nov. 28.

The train is making four stops in Torrington, East Litchfield, Thomaston, and Waterville.

Torrington: Church Street and Railroad, opposite from the Christmas Village, 12-12:45 p.m.

East Litchfield: East Litchfield Road south of Johnson Road, Exit 42 Route 8, 1:10-1:30 p.m.

Thomaston: Railroad Museum of New England station, 242 East Main S., Thomaston, 2-2:45 p.m.

Fascia’s Chocolates, 44 Chase River Road, Waterville, 3:15-4 p.m.

Note: Fascia’s Chocolates is already collecting toys, but if you can, wait for the train, members said.. As a thank you for donors, Fascia’s Chocolates is offering 10 percent off coupons to everyone who donates. There will even be a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus for a socially distant meet and greet.

The RMNE, located at the historic Thomaston Train Station, is a not-forprofit, all-volunteer, educational and historical organization that dates back to January 1968. The mission of the RMNE is to tell the story of the region’s rich railroad heritage with educational exhibits and operation of the Naugatuck Railroad. The museum concept is more than just artifacts; it's also a story of the region and the development of society around the railroad.

Lara Green-Kazlauskas / For Hearst Connecticut Media The Railroad Museum of New England is hosting a Toys for Tots collection train drive, in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reservists. Above, families enjoy a train ride and visit from Santa and his elves in 2018.