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I have one brand new Spectrum and possibly another, and finally an older Spectrum, all steam locomotives, that I am willing to give to underprivileged kids. The older one definitely needs minor repair to make it operational. Is there a model railroad benevolent organization that works with underprivileged kids? I also have some rolling stock and one working power pack that I am willing to donate. Three of the rolling stock I have need minor repair to make them operational. I can throw in some E-Z track as well.
Tomorrow I am going to check with counselors at my high school to see if they know of underprivileged kids who would like to become model railroaders.
I'm not aware of any national organization that is involved in model railroading for underprivileged kids. It seems like your high school counselors would be a good place to start for some leads. One suggestion I have would be any local domestic violence center that runs a shelter. There are always kids there and a small layout would both keep them occupied and maybe interest them in the hobby. It's a nice gesture you're making and I'm sure it will be appreciated, If you find a worthy cause, I'm sure there are a lot of us with some extra track, rolling stock and powerpacks hanging around doing nothing.
Hey switch track, now thats a really nice gesture! However, not to take the wind out of your sails, but please make careful decisions on where exactly you donate things like this to. Unfortunately for those of us that like to do good things, there are folks out there that seem to thrive off of being selfish and mismanagment of donated funds. Your best bet would be to, yes, look further into a program that does just what you intend to do, and if you can't find one, well thats ok too...Any local railroad club probably has PLENTY of kids that come through on operating days to admire this neat hobby.
When I was a kid growing up, me and my dad would have never been able to DREAM about the collection of model railroad equipment I have these days. It wasn't until years of having my own career that I could even afford to start doing this. After I got my first trainset for christmas of 88' (perhaps the coolest gift ever) the guy next door to us about to move out of base housing gave us a box of HO scale stuff...Although most of it had seen better days, the gesture was nice enough to make me make use of what I could. I still smile in appreciation about it to this day. I'm sure somewhere there is another father and son that wishes they could have the same opportunity. I wasn't necessarily under privledged, but times were pretty hard for us.
Sorry to drag this out, and please don't take this as condescending, but if you can't find a HONEST organization to accept your donation, you will find no greater appreciation than if you donate to someone directly. Not only will you be ensuring that your efforts will result in 100% of some kids (or family's) happiness, but you can witness it too! If you are religious you could maybe donate it to the kids at a sunday school, sick children at a hospital or kids that are up for adoption. Just a few more ideas, and BTW: that is the most sincere idea I have heard on a forum full of good ideas! Kudos to you man and good luck!
Hey Ken, This is the thread I was asking you about ?? you should keep us updated and I can't see why you can't post pics while your building the layout wheather the hostpital has dibs when its done or not some it would be nice
I have one brand new Spectrum and possibly another, and finally an older Spectrum, all steam locomotives, that I am willing to give to underprivileged kids. The older one definitely needs minor repair to make it operational. Is there a model railroad benevolent organization that works with underprivileged kids? I also have some rolling stock and one working power pack that I am willing to donate. Three of the rolling stock I have need minor repair to make them operational. I can throw in some E-Z track as well.
Tomorrow I am going to check with counselors at my high school to see if they know of underprivileged kids who would like to become model railroaders.
you should keep us updated and I can't see why you can't post pics while your building the layout wheather the hostpital has dibs when its done or not some it would be nice 