Donation Station for Education 2026
Thomas and his Friends STILL NEED YOUR HELP!
Give NOW through September 30, 2026
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum has a goal to raise $5,000 to provide free participation for 500 disadvantaged students in academically enriching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) programs at the museum during the 2026-2027 school year.
SDMRM is dedicated providing accessible pathways to educational experiences for San Diego’s youth that are relevant and fun for all participants. Of the over 200 schools in the San Diego Unified School District, there are over 150 schools that qualify for Title-1 federal funding in this district alone. This exemplifies the need for funding in our local schools to ensure students in low-income communities have access to curriculum-aligned programs that enhance their academic experience.
The museum raises funds each year to provide program participation for this population of students. Here’s how your support will make an impact:
Make a Donation
$10 = 1 student
Consider making a gift of
$10 to serve 1 student or serve a class of 25 students for $250!
Instructions & Materials
Your gift will offset critical expenses...
The cost of program instructions by staff
The purchase of necessary materials to participate in STEAM programming at SDMRM
Help Thomas get to Donation Station for Education by making a tax-deductible gift TODAY!
Support SDMRM’s ongoing commitment to uplift the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and model railroad enthusiasts. Your donation will help disadvantaged students across San Diego County by allowing them to access educational opportunities that strengthen academic success in the classroom.
Thank you for your continued support of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum and the greater San Diego community!
Support Our Work
What makes the San Diego Model Railroad Museum special are the people who help bring it to life. Trains are serious business here. For over 40 years, SDMRM has been a resource for model railroaders, historians, artists, engineers, and families alike in and beyond the city of San Diego. The museum’s mission is to continue engaging and serving its audiences through its unique exhibits and programs, and we need your help.
A tax-deductible gift to the museum’s general operations supports critical funding that advances programs such as education, groundbreaking exhibits, visitor experience improvements, family celebrations, and much more.
You can also give to a specific program area
Museum Education
The Educational Department provides STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning designed for students in early elementary through middle school that meets academic requirements for these age groups. Support school and summer camp programming at SDMRM, and encourage the next generation of engineers, model railroaders, and arts and culture supporters.
Collections
Collections & Exhibits tell the stories of the railroad through the museum’s unique collection of model trains, exhibit layouts, and extensive research library catalog. Support the Collections Department and ensure new and diverse learning opportunities are available to you each time you visit.
There are several ways you can give:
Make a one-time gift of any amount online
Set up monthly giving online using PayPal
Provide a matching gift through your employer
Planned gifts
Dedicate a donation in honor, or in memory, of a loved one
Prefer to mail in your gift? Send it to:
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Attn: Development Department
1649 El Prado, Ste 4
San Diego, CA 92101
Checks should be made payable to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum or SDMRM.
Donations make a difference, no matter the size. Your continued support ensures that we can sustain this tradition for generations to come. We invite you to help us carry on our mission and vision to ignite passion in the hobby of modeling and railroad history.