Help Local 427 Compete to “Fill the Sleigh” With Donated Bikes

SMART-TD members are well-known for bringing a little extra cheer to the holiday season, and Local 427 (McComb, Mississippi) is turning that tradition into a friendly competition this year. SMART-TD conductors are competing with engineers from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) to see who can donate the most bikes.  
 
The goal is to reach 150-200 bikes between both unions, meaning that it’s a race to roughly 70 bikes each. 
 
What awaits the winner? A giant trophy, bragging rights, and the knowledge that they’ve made a difference in their local community. 
 
The contest kicks off today (Friday, November 14) and ends December 15^th. 

Anyone can donate a bike on behalf of SMART-TD, simply ship one to 427’s union hall:  

SMART-TD Local 427 
553 Ross Neal Road 
Pelahatchie MS 39145

If the bike is not pre-assembled, please order it now so that the local has time to put it together once it arrives.  
 
“200’s a big goal, but I think we can do this,” said Local 427 Secretary & Treasurer Keith Morris. “We’ve amped it up to make it something that we can be proud of and impact our local community.” Any SMART-TD member or local across the country may donate a bike.  
 
Brother Octavius Thurman (Local 427) pitched the idea to his fellow members who loved it and were committed to making it a reality. Local 427 is a regular participant in Toys for Tots and helped over 21,000 local families last year, according to Brother Morris.  
 
“It’s an honor to try to do something to help out,” he said. “We’re all blessed with our paychecks from the railroad, and we think we’ll have some good participation.”