MARINE CORPS RESERVES’ DUNKIN’ DONUTS TOYS FOR TOTS TRAIN TAKES TO THE RAILS FOR 2013 RUN THROUGH NEW YORK
Toys for Tots Train celebrates 15th anniversary
$30,000 donation from Dunkin’ Donuts will bring new toys to thousands of children across New York
COLONIE, New York – The U.S. Marine Corps will celebrate the 15th year of its annual holiday train when the Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train delivers toys and coats to thousands of children in Upstate New York on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8.
At a press conference to launch this year’s holiday toy drive, Dunkin’ Donuts announced a donation of $30,000 to the Toys for Tots Foundation, bringing its five-year total to $140,000.
This year’s Toys for Tots collection drive will take place at more than 400 locations throughout the Capital Region, including more than 100 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants which will serve as drop-off points for guests wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys.
“We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed community partner in Dunkin’ Donuts and are grateful for the support its franchisees have provided to keep our holiday train on track for the fifth year in a row,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. (Ret) Albert Roman, local coordinator of the Toys for Tots campaign. “Their generosity will bring new toys to thousands of children throughout New York. Dunkin’ Donuts’ support exemplifies the true spirit of the season.”
The Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train, presented by Canadian Pacific and Amtrak, will motor its way across 12 communities throughout New York State as the highlight of the Marines’ signature holiday toy drive.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is honored to help keep this outstanding initiative on track. Our Capital Region franchisees are grateful for the work of the dedicated Marines which brings much joy to so many children,” said Eric Stensland, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “We are truly privileged to be part of this extraordinary effort and commend the other companies who have joined us in support of such an important program to our community.”
The Marines will work with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys this holiday season and will be equipped to serve 200,000 children – a 25 percent increase over its previous record.
Friday’s announcement was made at the headquarters of Integra Networks which will serve as the 2013 home of the Toys for Tots program. Integra Networks contribution to the campaign amounts to $20,000 in cash and in-kind support.
The Toys for Tots Foundation receives additional support from a number of companies and organizations throughout the greater Capital Region, including Friehofer’s; Keeler Motor Car Co.; Sondra’s Fine Jewelry; and Wal-Mart, which for the third year in a row will donate $20,000 to the charitable program.
The Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train, presented by Canadian Pacific and Amtrak, will commence its run on Saturday, December 7 in Binghamton and will make regional stops in Oneonta, Cobleskill and Delanson. The following day, the train will make its way from Albany to Rouse Point with regional stops in Mechanicville, Saratoga and Whitehall.
Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees will join the Marines on board the train to deliver toys directly to children and families. Thousands of toys are also delivered at each stop to local non-profit organizations, which, in turn, distribute the toys to those in need in their communities. Dunkin’ Donuts will also warm up volunteers and families at each station with complimentary hot chocolate and doughnuts.
About Dunkin’ Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for seven years running. The company has more than 10,500 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. For the full-year 2012, Dunkin’ Donuts’ restaurants had global franchisee-reported sales of approximately $6.9 billion. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.