Metra teams up with Marines for annual Toys for Toddlers drive

CHICAGO (CBS) – Many generous commuters donated to Toys for Tots at downtown Metra train stations Tuesday morning.

The donation box at the Ogilvie Transportation Center overflowed as U.S. Marines and Metra employees collected unwrapped toys and cash.

The Marine Corps Reserve partnered with Metra for the 13th year of the toy drive at all five downtown Metra stations – Ogilvie, Union Station, LaSalle Street Station, Millennium Station and Van Buren Street Station.

“Think about it: There are some kids who don’t have anything to wrap for Christmas. It won’t be a special day for her. That helps. Everyone deserves to find something for them on Christmas morning, and this is one option.” “We make it happen,” said Metra spokeswoman Meg Thomas-Reile.

Last year, Metra and the Marines collected more than 3,000 toys and $10,000, helping distribute more than 114,000 toys to children in the Chicago area – Metra’s most successful collection ever.