In the spirit of giving
Chanterelle Atkins, left, of Wiscasset and husband Kevin Atkins check out the festive treats aboard the Maine Eastern Railroad's Toys ‘n’ Turkeys Train, during its Wiscasset stop. The special train run on November 16 was a food and toy drive. The local couple donated frozen turkeys. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Maine Central Railroad’s Toys ‘n’ Turkeys Train pulls into Wiscasset on November 16. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Chanterelle Atkins, left, of Wiscasset and husband Kevin Atkins check out the festive treats aboard the Maine Eastern Railroad's Toys ‘n’ Turkeys Train, during its Wiscasset stop. The special train run on November 16 was a food and toy drive. The local couple donated frozen turkeys. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Maine Central Railroad’s Toys ‘n’ Turkeys Train pulls into Wiscasset on November 16. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
When the Maine Eastern Railroad passenger train rolls into Wiscasset, riders can typically be seen waving and smiling out through the coach car windows.
On November 16, newly donated toys and food replaced the usual happy rail-riders.
The “Toys 'n' Turkeys Train,” a special, non-passenger run except for volunteers, was a food and toy drive for area families in need. The drive was a way to give back to communities as the railroad marks 10 years of serving the Midcoast, a railroad official said.
Chanterelle and Kevin Atkins of Wiscasset arrived at Railroad Avenue with frozen turkeys to donate.
“There isn't a better way to get in the spirit of the holidays, and to make sure giving is a part of the season,” Chanterelle Atkins said.
The white morning sky and cool wind gave a hint of winter along the Sheepscot River as volunteer ambassadors for the railroad stood waiting for the train.
On other days, the volunteers would be handing out maps and answering passengers' questions.
“It's impossible to have a bad day on the train. You meet so many happy people,” said Bob Allen of West Bath.
He and fellow volunteers were glad to be a part of Saturday's special mission.
“I think it's wonderful,” Bath's Paula Adam said of the toy and food drive.
The train pulled into Wiscasset with a wreath on its front. Inside, a walk through festively lit cars led to cocoa and cookies from Tim Hortons of Rockland.
The train later moved on to stops in Bath and Brunswick for more donations.
The railroad is passing the donated items along to the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities of Maine, AIO Food Pantry and Penquis.
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