The “Trains for Tots” program is owned and operated by Bob
Evans. Ohio Valley Lines, Inc. strongly supports the “Trains for Tots” program
by donating trains and by providing space for its operations. “Trains for Tots”
has been making Christmas a happier experience for children since 2010.
The idea for Trains for Tots was not Bob’s idea, but he has
made this program a great success and made it a source of pride for OVL. Bob
was visiting his friend Greg Stewart at Stew’s Hobby Shop (now closed) in
Bellevue in December of 2009. Bob witnessed Greg giving train sets to children.
A few months later Bob decided to ask Greg about this act of generosity. Greg
explained that the charitable act not only made the children happy, but also
filled Greg’s heart with the Christmas Spirit.
Bob knew this was the right thing to do for himself and our
organization, OVL. He began to contact the people he knew that could make this
idea a reality.
First he called Randy Turner in Lockbourne, Ohio. Randy
volunteered his services as a train repairman. Randy has repaired hundreds of
trains for the program out of the goodness of his heart. Many trains have been
donated to the cause; they’re not always in good condition. Randy takes care of
that.
Bob started collecting trains for the project. He found a
lot of stuff on E-bay. He found that flea markets were a good source and often
vendors would donate to the cause. Steve Yanosik at Trader Jacks often donates
boxes and other train supplies. Once the word spread, trains were being dropped
off at the Ohio Valley Lines door on a regular basis. All of this was stored on
the 2nd floor of the train club.
Next he called Tom Bishop. Putting the train sets together
takes a lot of time and effort. Cleaning track, sorting cars, assembling sets
to include a transformer, terminal tractk, a re-railer, an engine, caboose and
four cars. Tommy, Bob’s neighbor, helps with that.
Bob’s next call was to Randy Lehrian. Randy designed the
boxes- Just the right size for a small train set. He designed labels for the
boxes and a trouble shooting/direction sheet. Nice touch Randy!
How do the trains find their way to the kids? There are
several ways. Ohio Valley Lines has an Open House starting on Thanksgiving
weekend and ending in January. Each day 3 train sets are given away at random
times. We also donate to other charitable organizations: The Salvation Army,
Red Cross, the Moose Club “Heart to Heart Club,” and the Marines Toys for Tots
program. We have distributed over 170 train sets.
If you would like to donate to the program – trains or cash –
there are several ways you can contact us.
Bob Evans at 412-761-7469
info@OhioValleylines.org
Ohio Valley Lines 1225 Merchant Street Ambridge, PA
15003-2278 724-266-4767