On Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, and Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., local model train enthusiast Al Strausner and his grandson Matthew Palmeri will set up a model display at West Willow United Methodist Church, 118 West Willow Road, Willow Street. Strausner and Palmeri will also collect monetary donations and nonperishable food donations for local food banks.

The displays will be 6 by 20 feet in size and include extensions that are 8 by 10 feet. Each set contains multiple intricate models of structures and train cars, made to scale as replicas of their real-life counter parts.

Palmeri, now age 14, took an interest in his grandfather's model collection around six years ago, and Strausner himself began collecting models when he was around 6 years old. "My aunt and uncle used to get me a new Plasticville model building for every holiday and birthday," Strausner said. "They got me quite a few authentic ones from the '50s, which I still have."

Strausner remained an avid collector through his teen years but stopped collecting once he went off to college and got married. He and his wife had a son, William, who took an interest in the models at an early age, prompting Strausner to dive back into old hobby around 25 years ago. His current collection numbers over 300 units.

Originally from Danville, Strausner moved to Lancaster in 1962 to attend Millersville University, where he studied industrial arts. He has lived in Lancaster ever since and loves being in close proximity to the many local railroads, his favorite among them being the Reading Railroad, which runs directly past his house. Strausner is an active member of the Train Collectors Association, which meets every month at the Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant in Ronks.

Strausner and Palmeri will collect nonperishable food donations as well as monetary donations, which they will give to Solanco Neighborhood Ministries' and Bethel Evangelical Congregational Church's respective food banks. "I've been involved with (Solanco Neighborhood Ministries') food bank and decided to use the displays to help out," said Strausner. "We saw during the (COVID-19) pandemic that people were in need." Last year, Strausner and Palmeri received donations from over 300 people and several monetary contributions.

To donate food or money, pay the two train aficionados a visit during the hours the display is open.