The Teddy Bear Toy Express is operated by Pacific Railcar Operators (PRO) under the direction of Bill and Nancy Andrews. Speeders, as they are known to many, make their way down the Coos Bay Rail line four times per year. In October, the organizers Team up with KDOCK Radio and Rotary for the Bus Jam Toy and Food Drive. All toys collected along the route will be transferred on Saturday to officially kick off the Bus Jam events that have benefit thousands of children during its 20-year run.
Look for these restored historic vehicles along the route that at one time was vital to keeping the rail lines operational and safe. The following are estimated times when the speeders will be stopping along the route. Bring a new unwrapped toy to place in the Christmas Box Car and marvel at the work that has been done to preserve these vehicles.
The Friday, Oct. 8 pickup times to meet the Teddy Bear Toy Express are Mapleton around 11:00-11:30 Mapleton Railroad Yard and
Lakeside around 3:00-3:30 at the end of 13th Street
On Saturday the 9th they will be in Coquille around 12:00 to 12:30 pm at Sturdivant Park. They will then make their way back to Coos Bay to transfer the toys to the Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Club between 2:00 and 2:30 pm at the Coos Bay Boardwalk.
Each community has advertised collection places.
In Coos Bay toys may be dropped off at the Coos Bay Rail Line Depot, 115 Hall Avenue across from the Rail Museum.
