Ho Ho Ho: UPVETS Spearhead Another Successful Toy Drive in Houston

On Dec. 6, a Union Pacific train pulled by the railroad’s commemorative military locomotive UP No. 1943 – The Spirit – celebrated another successful toy drive by the Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter of UPVETS with a short trip around the Houston area.

UPVETS, a resource group for military veterans and interested employees, collected approximately 35,000 toys this year for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots’ annual toy drive.

The festive train ride, which included U.S. Marines decked out in dress uniform and cars from Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet, celebrates the men and women who volunteer their time and resources to ensuring a successful toy drive, including business owners who allow toy boxes to be set up in their facilities.

This is the seventh year the Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter of UPVETS participated in the annual toy drive, with members putting in hundreds of volunteer hours to bring joy to children and give back to the community.

Approximately 18% of Union Pacific’s employees have military experience, with some still actively serving in the reserves.