WE SHOULD PLAY SANTA FOR THE HOBBY

Once again, I have been thinking about this myself.  I've done things like this in the past, and I find it quite enjoyable.  You're on the right path to try to discern a candidate.

I'm telling you Steve, we must have telepathy.

What is it they say Bob.  GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE    LOL

The old OGR Ambassador program was a lot of fun. We usually find something train-related for the kids on the Giving Tree.

I'am sure that this must have been on a post but I would love to see a LIONEL TV ADD around the holidays. That is a big part of doing there part in helping make sure that this hobby continues. The hobby needs to be exposed to a BIG GROUP of children or it will end with us.

I give a couple of sets away every year. It makes you feel good and it makes a kid happy, especially if the family is in need. 

This used to be a really big deal with forum wide participation but was a lot of work for a few people.  I was a gift "ambassador" twice back when Bob Coniglio used to run it.  Probably better if just individual donors do it that want to do so.

.....

Dennis

I gave away a train last week.  OK, it was a cheap plastic "in the tree" train, but I included it with some baby stuff we put out on the sidewalk for free. Same lady took the whole pile. Has a 4 month old that stays at her house.

In the past I've had kids over to see the trains and given away a few sets. I will continue to do so as long as I still have trains I don't use.

I occasionally buy a set for a special child as well.

Doesn't have to be Christmas, Give the whole year 'round !

After the Holidays last year sometime in February, Walgreens had a small set operated by a single double A battery knocked down in price to $3. I bought everyone on the shelve for kids gift give away programs this year.

for our seasonal holiday train display we have a scavenger hunt as well as some simple math problems for the grade school kids to solve, train related of course!

Once they complete both they get a ticket for a drawing on Christmas eve- This years big prize is a LEGO train set. This gift was selected because is attracts so many kids, LEGOs, Trains, all in one. Its free for the kids to participate.

rogerpete;

That is an excellent idea.

Stephen.....I agree and will do my part this holiday season...

 

Alan

 You guys are very genourous.One of my best customers puts on a breakfast with santa every year.It is for their employees and  families.They have it right at the plant and the whole place is decorated for Christmas.One of the employees sets up a large Christmas Lionel layout.I donate 2 Lionel train sets every year that get raffled off.Everyone goes crazy over them.The kids' eyes get as big as baseballs.My LHS owner gets excited too,he knows I am good for two sets every season lol.Nick