Jackson, Miss. – Railroad workers are delivering holiday cheer to families in need this season, as members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) at CN-IC are organizing bicycle donations for Toys for Tots. The initiative, spurred by a amiable competition with SMART-TD, aims to provide gifts to children during a time of increased financial hardship for many families.
This year, 21,000 families in the local area requested assistance from Toys for Tots alone, highlighting a significant need within the community. Recognizing the scale of the challenge, BLET members across multiple divisions are contributing to the “Fill the Sleigh” drive.
Engineer chris Boyer has volunteered his time to assemble bicycles for donation, supporting the efforts of brother Trey Turner. Local Chairman Jeremy Wilborn of Division 203 initiated a challenge to BLET’s counterparts at SMART-TD to see which institution could donate the most bicycles. Divisions 827 (laurel, Miss.) and 914 (Baton Rouge,La.) are also participating.
“That was an eye-opening number, as Toys for Tots is only one of many organizations that assist families during the holiday season in our area,” said Wilborn, who also serves as First Vice Chairman of the CN-IC GCA. “That’s a lot of families with kids who are going without. Even though,we’ve turned this into a friendly competition,the mission is what matters most and that is to support and spread joy to as many families as possible.”
Donations will be dropped off at Toys for Tots on December 15, 2025. those wishing to contribute can contact:
Local Chairman jeremy Wilborn
Email: bletwilborn@yahoo.com
415 barksdale Rd
Brandon, MS 39047
To support the Memphis bike drive, please contact:
Local Chairman Trey Turner
Email: treyturner1973@yahoo.com
4311 Good Fortune Cove
Bartlett, TN 38135
Additional photos are available here: https://ble-t.org/news/gallery/cn-ic-members-toys-for-tots/
