(The following story by Mindi Westhoff appwared on the News Leader website on December 2.)
STAUNTON, Va. — Despite economic challenges, the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Toys for Tots program is in full swing this year, and for the first time Saturday, residents will get the chance to meet the group’s very own Santa Claus.
Sponsored by the Marine Corps League Stonewall Detachment #330 in Staunton, the local Toys for Tots program serves more than 1,500 area children by providing toys for underprivileged families during the holiday season.
As a special treat Saturday, members of the detachment will accompany Santa on a three-car train ride, ending at the Amtrak station near the site of the former Pullman restaurant on Middlebrook Avenue.
Member Chris Green said he got the idea to welcome Santa via Amtrak after looking at the Toys for Tots logo, which includes a train.
“I thought ‘What’s cooler than to have Santa come to town on a three-car train?'” Green said.
When he arrives, Santa will visit with children and hand out candy on his walk across the Wharf area to Pufferbellies Toys and Books.
Along with supporting downtown businesses, Green said the Santa visit will remind kids and their parents that Christmas is about helping others, and hopefully those in a position to help will be inclined to donate to the cause.
“Our Santa Claus is one who truly does serve, and I’m sure will serve over 500 families this year, (making) sure those kids have a Merry Christmas, too,” Green said.
Although the group has seen a decrease in donations this year and an increase in need by between 25 and 50 percent, they are forging ahead.
Along with the Santa visit, Toys for Tots is increasing its reach this year by serving between 30 and 40 families in Lexington and Buena Vista as well as Highland, Bath and Rockbridge counties.
“The rural areas have been underserved, and I think those are areas that need it the most,” Green said.