Money continues to come in to help finance repairs to the depot and platform used for The Little Train in Soden’s Grove.
The Sertoma Club, which sponsors and operates the park attraction, had asked in late January for help from the public in raising enough money to replace the diesel engine and drive motors on the train. Without the replacements, the train would not have lasted through the summer.
The public responded generously and within weeks donations had exceeded the original $20,000 goal.
Today, the fund stands at $29,600, with more donations promised.
Children at several of Emporia’s elementary schools have conducted their own drives and that money should be added to the train’s account soon. Some drives ended last Friday and two others will end this coming Friday. The change is being counted at local banks and totals should be available soon.
Diana Hirt, first-grade teacher at Village Elementary School, organized a competition that will pit teachers, maintenance, clerical, food service and support staff against administrators. Hirt had said she wanted to show the children that The Little Train is important to children and adults alike throughout the community.
People who want to donate need to make checks payable to Sertoma Club/Emporia Community Foundation, and mail them to Sertoma Club of Emporia, Miniature Train Fund, PO Box 593, Emporia KS 66801-0593. The foundation is acting as a clearing house for donations to ensure they are tax-deductible.