Frank Kotnik was introduced to toy trains as a child. Someone gave his father a secondhand Lionel set and accessories from the early 1950s. When Frank was three, around 1963, his dad surprised him with a simple tabletop layout. The engine captivated the young tot, sparking a lifetime interest in the hobby.
Frank is a member of the Knights of Columbus (KofC), a Catholic fraternal service organization. The group performs charitable acts in the USA and around the world. The KofC spearheads a “Keep Christ in Christmas” program, which, according to the KofC website, “promotes the true spirit of Christmas in homes, schools, parishes, and communities.”
“In 2015, when visiting the Railroad Museum of Long Island (RMLI) with my family, I saw that the museum produced commemorative Lionel boxcars to raise funds for upkeep,” said Frank. “I thought, wow, what a terrific idea for the KofC to raise money for charity! If RMLI could do it, so could [our group].”
In 2016, Frank met with Don Fisher, RMLI president. Don agreed that the idea was a good one, and he helped Frank get in touch with Lionel product designers.
“At the time, I thought we would only produce one boxcar. In early 2017, with help from my 15-year-old son Markus, I finished the design for the first ‘Keep Christ in Christmas boxcar’,” said Frank.
Tragically, the boxcar was delayed a year due to the unexpected death of Frank’s son.
In 2018, the boxcar’s sale was a success, and Frank has continued to design “Keep Christ in Christmas” boxcars, plus boxcars commemorating other KofC milestones.
Since 2018, Frank estimates that more than $36,000 has been raised for charity. All proceeds from the cars have benefited disaster relief efforts like the wildfires in California, flood victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, and the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.
“All I wanted to do was produce one boxcar. The proceeds of our sales have raised thousands of dollars for worthy charities,” said Frank.
To learn more about these boxcars, visit Monsignor Sherman Council No. 5103’s website at www.kofc5103.org/trains. For questions, email Frank at frankakotnikjr@aol.com.
