Nickel Plate Express Partners with Toys for Tots

As the holiday season quickly approaches, Nickel Plate Express (NPX) and Toys for Tots have partnered together to collect toys for families in need this season.

To launch the toy drive, NPX will be offering a free caboose ride on Nov. 5 to each passenger that brings a donation. The caboose rides will board from the newly renovated Hobbs Station located inside Forest Park from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.

No tickets will be sold for this event. Passengers will enjoy a scenic ride on the historic Monon Caboose over the White River in downtown Noblesville.

“Toys for Tots is excited to partner with Nickel Plate Express for the 2022 Holiday season,” said Toys for Tots Civilian Coordinator Sabrina Young.

“This year is Toys for Tots 75th year. We are so thrilled to be able to partner with an organization that has a beautiful train and draws a huge crowd each holiday season. It was the perfect fit to our iconic Toys for Tots train logo.”       

NPX will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through Dec. 23. In addition to the caboose rides being offered, NPX will be offering a visit with Santa on Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is encouraged to bring a toy to donate and then visit with Santa.

Emily Reynolds, NPX Director, said that, “I have always been passionate about giving back to the community. This opportunity to work with Toys for Tots is a perfect chance for Nickel Plate Express to help others during the holiday season.”

For information about the variety of NPX excursions – from the Reindeer Rides to special dining experiences – ­visit nickelplateexpress.com.

About Nickel Plate Express:

Nickel Plate Express is a program of the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, a charitable nonprofit that operates the historic Arcadia Depot and offers entertainment and educational excursions on historic train equipment out of Forest Park, Noblesville. The 12.5 miles of Nickel Plate track is owned by the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority and runs from Noblesville through Cicero and Arcadia to Atlanta in northern Hamilton County.