Operation Toy Train will take off for the 10th year with Santa on board to collect toys for needy children at stations throughout North Jersey.

The event is expected to collect more than 25,000 toys for the U.S. Marine Corps to benefit underprivileged children in North Jersey and southern New York.

The train runs from Rochelle Park to Sparta on the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway on Dec. 1 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Stops include Butler, Pompton Lakes, Oakland, Wyckoff, Midland Park and Hawthorne.

On Dec. 2, the train travels via Middletown & New Jersey Railroad and will be in Warwick, Sugar Loaf and other New York towns.

The following weekend, on Dec. 8, the fun comes to Morris County, where the train is scheduled to rattle down the Dover & Rockaway River Railroad line. Rockaway, Dover, Kenvil, Ledgewood and Flanders can expect the train between 9 a.m. and 1:55 p.m.

The final trip is to Succasunna on Dec. 9 at 10 a.m., stopping at Kuiken Brothers at 33 Route 10 east.

Check the organization's website for the train schedule and information about donating toys and volunteering.

The event is a partnership among five railroads and their personnel, volunteers and various organizations.

Last year the event drew hundreds to the Pompton Lakes stop, at Wanaque and Lakeside avenues. After watching the train roll in, Scouts helped Santa and the Marine Corps Reserves load up some train cars. It was a photo-worthy event for families, with a caboose and antique firetrucks on display. The historical train station is now the home of Station 1 Books Vinyl and Vintage Shop.

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The borough draws locals and residents from surrounding towns for the occasion. Last year a DJ played music and the Pompton Reformed Church gave out free hot chocolate.

There are several Toys for Tots collection boxes at local businesses, and donors are also welcome to bring unwrapped toys directly to the train. The toys are for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation and benefit collection efforts at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, and Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York.

Businesses, organizations and individuals looking to sponsor, donate to, or participate in Operation Toy Train are encouraged to visit the website to learn how to get involved.

Follow Jai Agnish on Twitter: @JaiAgnish.

Email: agnish@northjersey.com.

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