Cocoa, cookies and a good cause will come together as Maine Eastern Railroad's “Toys 'n' Turkeys” train stops in Wiscasset on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The train is scheduled to be on Railroad Avenue from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., accepting frozen turkeys, non-perishable foods, and new, unwrapped toys for families in need, according to the railroad's website, at www.maineeasternrailroad.com.

The train's two passenger coaches will have lights and other Christmas décor, said Harmony Llanto, manager of the railroad's passenger operations; the dining car will have a Thanksgiving theme.

A news report about Maine's hunger problem inspired the special train run, just as the railroad was looking for a way to celebrate 10 years of service in the Midcoast, Llanto said in an interview November 14.

“We wanted to give back to the communities,” she said.

The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities of Maine, AIO Food Pantry and Penquis will get the items to families for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, the railroad's website states.

“(W)e invite you to board our uniquely decorated train, drop your donation, and enjoy hot cocoa, warm apple cider and cookies courtesy of the Maine Eastern Railroad's employees and our friends at Tim Hortons of Rockland,” the website states.

The special, non-passenger run also includes stops at 4 Union St. in Rockland from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; 15 Commercial St. in Bath, from 11:35 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 16 Station Avenue in Brunswick from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Railroad staff will stay on at the Rockland location until 10 a.m. to keep accepting donations, while the train continues on to Wiscasset, Llanto said.

The event has turned out to have added meaning after Colby Miles, a freight conductor who has been very supportive of the charity train run, was hurt in a recent car accident, Llanto said. Miles' fellow Thomaston volunteer firefighters have rallied to help make the event a success, Llanto said.