CSX’S Santa Train Delivers Early Christmas Gifts and Safety Tips Across Three States
Christmas came early for thousands of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia residents when volunteers aboard the 73rd annual Santa Train distributed thousands of gift bags to children on November 21.
Every year, hundreds of people await the arrival of the Santa Train – an effort meant to reach and raise awareness about train safety among people who live, work or go to school near train tracks. Throughout its 110-mile route, which runs from Shelby County, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., the train delivered presents at 14 different stops. Sponsored by CSX, Food City, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and Dignity U Wear, the train carried 15 tons of toys, fresh fruit and winter accessories.
The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce collected gifts that were donated by people all around the country. Volunteers of all ages then sorted and created individual gift bags packed with toys, age- and gender-specific clothing and other items. Cheerful attendees were also welcomed Meghan Linsey, pop star and runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice” Season 8, who joined volunteers on the Santa Train’s voyage.
CSX donates personnel, equipment, logistics support, gift bags, train cars and track time to support the Santa Train. Many CSX employees count themselves as Santa Train volunteers, distributing gifts providing attendees with track safety tips at each stop between Shelby, Kentucky and Kingsport, Tennessee.
Dating back to 1943, the Santa Train was launched by the Merchants Bureau of Kingsport – now the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce – and one of CSX’s predecessor railroads, the Clinchfield Railroad, in order to express their gratitude to the residents of rural Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia.
For updates about the Santa Train, visit www.beyondourrails.org/index.cfm/events/santa-train/. You can also follow Santa Train news on Facebook at facebook.com/santatrain.
