Since the beginning of Strasburg Rail Road’s history, involvement in the community has been at the forefront of our efforts. There was a time when Strasburg Rail Road was on the verge of termination; the railroad tracks were in bad shape, business was inconsistent, and funds and manpower were lacking.
That’s when a group of community members stepped in and purchased Strasburg Rail Road. Together, they restored the tracks and revived its passenger services.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS IMPORTANT TO US BECAUSE WITHOUT IT, WE WOULDN’T EXIST.
It’s our goal to lift our community up in the same way, lending a helping hand to our neighbors in times of need.
In the past, we’ve partnered with several community groups, hosted fundraising train events, and even donated a portion of a day’s ticket sales to local businesses in Strasburg. Each Christmas, we donate the sales from an entire Christmas train to the Lion’s Club.
Partnership Opportunities
At Strasburg Rail Road, we believe community involvement is best achieved through partnerships with other businesses or groups in the local community. Over the years, we’ve developed enduring partnerships with
Using History To Bring The Community Together
Strasburg Rail Road is dedicated to preserving the historic property of the station and its trains. As members of the Heritage Rail Association (HRA), we advocate for the preservation of tourist railroads so that our community doesn’t miss out on an authentic steam train experience.
We are the only steam train excursion in Lancaster County and the most visited tourist railroad in the continental United States. Each time you book tickets to ride the train, you’re not only keeping steam alive, but you’re also helping the small town of Strasburg flourish.
DONATION REQUEST GUIDELINES
Thank you for your interest in receiving a donation from the Strasburg Rail Road Company—America’s oldest continuously operating railroad. As a locally owned, for-profit organization, we recognize and value the essential work of non-profit groups that contribute to the betterment of our community.
To be considered for a donation of train tickets for your organization’s upcoming event, please complete the online submission form. Alternatively, formal requests may be submitted via mail or email and must include:
- A description of the specific event or fundraiser
- The event date
- Your organization’s Tax ID number
- A brief explanation of how your event relates to the Strasburg Rail Road
- The request written on your organization’s official letterhead
Submit your request by one of the following methods:
Mail:
Strasburg Rail Road
Attn: Donations
P.O. Box 96
Strasburg, PA 17579
Email: srrtrain@strasburgrailroad.com
Please include a message in the body of the email explaining the purpose of the request. Due to cybersecurity concerns, emails with only attachments or without context will be automatically deleted.
Requests must be submitted 6 to 8 weeks in advance of your event or submission deadline to allow adequate time for review and processing.
Eligibility Requirements
The Strasburg Rail Road will consider donation requests from organizations that meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization
- An organization that directly supports children’s education or serves at-risk youth
- A volunteer fire company, law enforcement or EMS-related charitable organization
- A military/veterans-focused charitable foundation
- A non-partisan civic organization raising funds on behalf of eligible organizations
- A nonprofit historical society, historic site, or library committed to preserving American heritage
- An organization whose mission aligns with that of the Strasburg Rail Road
Priority is given to organizations located in Pennsylvania and the surrounding tri-state area.
Restrictions
We are unable to provide donations to:
- Individuals
- Sports teams
- Churches or religious organizations
- Political parties, candidates, or issue-based campaigns
- Any organization whose request could imply the Strasburg Rail Road supports a controversial issue
The Strasburg Rail Road reserves the right to approve or deny any request at its sole discretion.
If your request is approved, your organization will receive a digital gift card redeemable for general train tickets. Please note: Gift cards cannot be used for Day Out With Thomas tickets, retail store purchase or café purchases.
Submitting a request does not guarantee a donation. Due to the high volume of requests, we ask that you kindly do not follow up to inquire about the status. All gift cards should be treated as cash—lost or stolen cards cannot be reissued.
We appreciate your understanding and your dedication to our community.
Sincerely,
Strasburg Rail Road Company
Become a part of Strasburg Rail Road’s history.