12/18/2025
Today, we concluded the 2025 edition of the Greater Chesapeake Foundation GCF Stuff the Train Toy Drive with visits to Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital and Mount Sinai Childrenās Hospital in Baltimore concluding with our final toy delivery to the Howard County Police Officers Association
Over the last few weeks our record-breaking toy collection has delivered joy and hope to children across the great state of Marylandāsupporting 25 nonprofits, multiple schools, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.
A special thank you to K.I.C. Kares, who hosted numerous toy drive collection sites. With the incredible support of their families, friends, and community connections, they collected over 500 toys and joined us today alongside the Oriole Bird and members of the Greater Chesapeake Charitable Foundation as we went room to room bringing smiles to children and families.
Hospital visits are always among the most meaningful moments of this entire initiative. Today, one young child told us this was the greatest day ever after receiving a visit from Santa Claus and the Oriole Bird. As we listened, he sat there with an IV pole in tow and a feeding tubeāfull of joy and excitement. When we offered him extra gifts because of his enthusiasm, he stopped us and said, āNo, that wouldnāt be fair to the other kids.ā
Thereās always a moment each year that stays with you. This was it. A child going through so much, still thinking about others, making sure everyone received somethingāthat was truly special and deeply moving. It brought tears to my eyes.
We hope you feel the warmth and love captured in these photos by Peter Watts. If you or your organization, school, or business would like to be part of next yearās Stuff the Train Toy Drive, we would love to hear from you.
Wishing everyone a very happy and joyous holiday season.
Merry Christmas,
DJ Kopec