In photos: Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee Ivo Garcia and Dunkin’ Donuts mascot “Cuppie” attend the Toys for Tots Train stop with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 to pass out toys and winter coats to families in need this holiday season; and Marine Gunnery Sgt. Albert Roman (center, with microphone) welcomes families and thanks Dunkin’ Donuts for the support during a special ceremony. Photos provided by Ed Lewi Associates.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and Dunkin’ Donuts “Toys for Tots Train” took to the rails last weekend for its annual two-day run to deliver holiday cheer to children across New York. This year’s trip results from Dunkin’ Donuts contributing $30,000 to the Toys for Tots Foundation.
Powered by Amtrak and Norfolk Southern, the Toys for Tots train made its annual run on Saturday, Dec. 2 with stops in Binghamton, Bainbridge, Oneonta, Cobleskill and Delanson. On Sunday, Dec. 3, the train made its way north from Albany with stops in Saratoga Springs, Fort Edwards, Whitehall, Port Henry, Port Kent, and Rouses Point, adjacent to the Canadian border.
Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees joined U.S. Marine Corps Reserve volunteers as they traversed the state to deliver toys and winter coats to children in need. Thousands of toys were also delivered at each station to local non-profit organizations for distribution to those who qualify in their communities.
The contribution from Dunkin’ Donuts brings the company’s nine-year grand total to $260,000 in support of the Toys for Tots campaign.
“We appreciate the continued support and dedication from our community partner Dunkin’ Donuts and its franchisees, who have helped to keep our holiday train on track for the ninth year in a row,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. (Ret) Albert Roman, local coordinator of the Albany Toys for Tots campaign. “The holiday season is all about giving back to our communities, and the generosity from Dunkin’ Donuts of gifts for thousands of children is a true example of what is means to give back.”
Dunkin’ Donuts also warmed up the volunteers and families at select station stops with complimentary hot chocolate and baked goods.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is honored to support the Marines as they bring joy to children in need through the Toys for Tots campaign,” said Eric Stensland, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “Seeing the joy on children’s faces as we help deliver toys on the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train, we are reminded of the importance of this amazing effort which has such a vital impact on our community.”
The U.S. Marines have worked with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys this holiday season and are equipped to serve 200,000 children.
The Toys for Tots Foundation receives additional support from a number of companies and organizations throughout the greater Capital Region. That includes a $25,000 donation from Wal-Mart and a raffle sponsored by Seymour’s Motorized Sports for a 2017 Can Am Outlander 850xt and Triton aluminum trailer ATV. SEFCU, the Clifton Park and Halfmoon EMS and members of the Saratoga, Schoharie and Fulton County Sheriff’s
Departments also support the Toys for Tots campaign.
To learn more, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com, www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts, www.instagram.com/DunkinDonuts or www.twitter.com/DunkinNYCAP.
