The Forty and Eight veterans organization will again help make Christmas merry for underprivileged children by hosting its annual Stuff the Train with Toys for Tots event at its south Lansing clubhouse.
As part of the Dec. 8 event, the organization also will host a children’s Christmas party, complete with a visit from Santa.
The toy drive that has been running since November will culminate with the Stuff the Train event at 1 p.m. Anyone is welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the clubhouse, located at 2949 S. Waverly Highway, to be included in the toy drive. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be served.
At 3 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive to entertain children by reading books and telling them stories about life at the North Pole. There is no admission charge, but a toy for the Stuff the Train will be appreciated.
“We have done this every year to help the U.S. Marines in their Toys for Tots campaign,” said Michael Brokenshire, chef de gare (commander) of the Lansing chapter. “We enjoy making the holidays special for kids who might otherwise not have a present under the tree. We also invite kids to come spend some time with Santa during our Christmas party, which is open to the public.”
The Forty and Eight is a veterans fun and honor club founded in 1920. The Lansing Voiture, or chapter, is famous for its train, which is built on a 1927 Studebaker chassis and has appeared in local parades since 1928.
The organization takes a leading role in many philanthropic causes, including Americanism/Flags for First-Graders, Child Welfare, Youth Sports, Nurse’s Training, Youth Sports and POW/MIA.
For information, call Rich Adams at (517) 388-4962. For directions, call the clubhouse at (517) 882-2602.
