Metra is once again partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation for its morning rush hour holiday toy drive on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at all five downtown Metra stations.

“Year after year, Metra customers and employees have shown how willing they are to help make the holidays brighter for the community and children in need,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “I’d like to thank them in advance for their generous donations, which truly embody the spirit of My Metra and of the holidays.”

New, unwrapped toys or cash donations will be collected by Marines and Metra employees at Chicago Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Millennium Station, Van Buren Street Station and LaSalle Street Station. All donations go directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation for distribution to those in need. Donations will be accepted during the morning rush period (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.).

This is the 13th year that Metra and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation have teamed up to collect toys and monetary donations. This year, in addition to Metra employees and riders, Amtrak and Home Depot employees are contributing toys to the drive. Last year’s event contributed more than 3,000 toys and $10,000 to the effort, which distributed more than 114,000 toys to children across Chicagoland.