BNSF News

Employee Dream Means Toys for Tots -- Literally

2008-12-15

Chad Hildebrandt loves Christmas. And he loves kids. In fact, he cares about both so much that he often spends days off volunteering as “Santa.”

But he’s taken his love for underprivileged children to the next level in his quest to turn Toys for Tots into a campaign throughout the company and not just in Seattle, where he serves as yardmaster.

Toys for Tots, a charitable drive sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, puts new toys under the tree for underprivileged children who otherwise might not receive toys for Christmas. Toys for Tots donation “stations” often stand out; a Marine in full-dress uniform usually accepts the donations personally.

Since Hildebrandt started his campaign, he has lined up similar toy donation drives in Lincoln, Neb.; Tacoma, Wash.; Los Angeles and Seattle areas.

“We incorporated our first fundraiser with our Northwest Harvest feed in November and did quite well,” Hildebrandt said. “We raised a little more than $500 and about the same amount in toys. We have another feed scheduled for Dec. 9-10 dedicated just to Toys for Tots.”

During the “feeds,” Hildebrandt and local Marines from the local reserve unit answer questions about the program. Hildebrandt also sells chances to win prizes donated by the Marine Corps and BNSF management, as well as memorabilia that he has purchased personally.

“We hope to raise $4,000 to $5,000 before the drive in Seattle ends on Dec. 21,” Hildebrandt said.

And the BNSF Foundation is also stepping in to help with a $5,000 grant.

“For me it’s all about putting a smile on a child’s face,” Hildebrandt said. “If I can see one child smile, then all of the work is worth it.”

Hildebrandt is also thinking ahead to next year. He hopes to take one of the cabooses sitting idle at the Seattle yard and tie it down in front of BNSF offices -- and fill it with toys.

BNSF Headquarters

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com