Big Day of Giving is May 7th: Donations Are Open Now! Help Us Get Back on Track!

The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad is excited to announce that Big Day of Giving donations are officially open, leading up to the main event on May 7. This is one of the most important fundraising opportunities of the year for our historic railroad—and we’re asking our community, supporters, and rail enthusiasts to help us steam ahead toward a brighter future.

Why Your Support Matters

For years, the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad has brought history to life through educational programs, community events, and unforgettable train rides. But to safely return to regular operations, we must complete essential track improvements along key sections of our line.

Your donation directly supports:

  • Track repairs and upgrades needed for safe operations
  • Restoration work on historic rail infrastructure
  • Volunteer-led maintenance projects that preserve our region’s rail heritage
  • Our goal of bringing train rides back for families, visitors, and railfans

Every contribution—large or small—helps move us closer to welcoming passengers aboard once again.

Give Early. Give Often. Give Local.

Early giving is open now, and every donation made before May 7 counts toward our Big Day of Giving total. Early gifts help build momentum, attract matching funds, and show the strength of our community support.

How You Can Help

  • Donate today during the early giving period
  • Share our campaign with friends, family, and local groups
  • Encourage others who love history, trains, or community projects to join in

Your generosity keeps our mission alive and our tracks moving toward restoration.

Let’s Bring the Railroad Back to Life—Together

With your help, the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad can continue preserving local history and offering the unique experience of rail travel to future generations. Big Day of Giving is our chance to make a real impact, and we’re grateful for every supporter who joins us on this journey.

Support Local History: Become a Railroad Volunteer

There’s something magical about a train rolling down the tracks — the sound, the craftsmanship, the living history. Our tourist railroad exists to preserve that magic, but we can’t do it alone. As we prepare for the upcoming season, we’re looking for passionate volunteers to join our team and help keep this railroad running strong.

Whether you’re handy with tools, love organizing details, or simply want to support a piece of local history, there’s a place for you here.

🌟 Who We’re Looking For

🔧 Mechanical Volunteers

If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, or learning how historic equipment works, our shop crew would love your help. No prior railroad experience needed — just curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn.

🛤️ Track Crew

Our track is the backbone of everything we do. Volunteers help with maintenance, repairs, inspections, and improvements. It’s active, outdoor work that directly impacts safety and operations.

📝 Marketing & Communications

Help us tell our story. We’re looking for people who can assist with social media, photography, writing, event promotion, and community outreach. If you enjoy creative work, this is a great fit.

💼 Bookkeeping & Administrative Support

Behind every train ride is a mountain of paperwork. If you have experience with bookkeeping, data entry, or office organization, your skills can make a huge difference.

🧭 Board of Directors & Leadership Roles

We’re seeking individuals with vision, commitment, and a passion for preservation to help guide the future of the railroad. Nonprofit or governance experience is a plus, but not required.

💰 Fundraising & Grant Writing

Our railroad runs on community support. If you have experience with fundraising, donor outreach, or writing grants — or want to learn — we’d love your help securing the resources that keep us rolling.

❤️ Why Volunteer?

  • Be part of preserving local history
  • Learn new skills from experienced volunteers
  • Meet great people who share your interests
  • Make a visible, lasting impact on the community
  • Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life on the rails

🚆 Ready to Climb Aboard?

If any of these roles speak to you — or if you’re not sure where you fit but want to help — we’d love to talk. Every skill level, background, and schedule is welcome. Your time and talent can help ensure that trains keep running for generations to come.