On Monday, October 20, the Coos Bay Boardwalk came alive with the sound of “speeders” and cheerful holiday spirit as the Pacific Rail Cars—a division of the North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA)—arrived for a special mission: to help local families in need through the Coos Bay–North Bend Rotary Club’s annual Bus Jam Toy and Food Drive.

The colorful lineup of historic “speeders,” affectionately called the Teddy Bear Toy Express, makes the journey each year from the valley down the Coos Bay Rail Line, stopping in small towns along the way to collect donated toys. Those toys are then presented to the Coos Bay–North Bend Rotary for storage and later distribution during the Rotary’s Bus Jam collection event in December.

A rail car speeder is a small, motorized vehicle that runs on railroad tracks. Originally used by railway workers for inspecting tracks, transporting crews, and carrying tools or equipment, speeders are now often privately owned and operated by enthusiasts. These lightweight cars—sometimes called putt-putts for their distinctive engine sound—can carry one or more passengers and are popular for organized excursions on scenic or historic rail lines.

This year’s run wasn’t without its challenges. With the railroad bridge north of the Bay Area temporarily out of service, the group’s 23 cars made it as far as the bridge before needing to reverse course. Determined to complete their mission, the operators trailered their small railcars back to North Bend, reassembled them on the tracks, and completed the final leg to the Coos Bay Boardwalk—where they were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of Rotarians, City of Coos Bay staff, and representatives from the Port of Coos Bay and Coos Bay Rail Line.

Only five cars were able to make the final stretch, but the spirit of giving was as strong as ever. Volunteers joined forces to offload toys with the help of the Coos Bay Fire Department. They also shared stories and celebrated a tradition that has now become a beloved part of our coastal holiday season.

Toy donations from the Teddy Bear Toy Express are currently being stored at Columbia Bank in North Bend and will join new donations gathered during this year’s Bus Jam collection on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Coos Bay and North Bend Bi-Mart stores. Toy donations will be accepted at the bank until then.

I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Ralph Burks of the Pacific Rail Cars organization who coordinated the event, the owners who make the trek on the tracks, the communities who donated, our local Rotary Club, and all the volunteers who make this event possible each year. Their dedication embodies the true spirit of our community—neighbors helping neighbors and making sure every child on the South Coast experiences the joy of the holidays.

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay