CSX's Santa Train Delivered Holiday Cheer To Areas Embattled By Hurricane Helene
Stephanie Gallman Jordan
December 17, 2024 at 8:44 PM
One of the nation's longest and most cherished holiday traditions was extra special this year, serving a region impacted by devastating storms.
The CSX Santa Train trekked its annual 110 miles through Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and Tennessee delivering holiday cheer to thousands of families along its route.
More than 15 tons of gifts were distributed to families along the route that stretches from Shelbiana, Kentucky, to Kingsport, Tennessee, a region impacted in September by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
Now in its 82nd year, the Santa Train added a Holiday Express event in Erwin, Tennessee, that drew an estimated crowd of 4000 people. Country artist Drew Holcomb performed in the area which was among those hardest hit by the hurricane.
"The devastation across the region has been heartbreaking, and all of us at CSX want to try to bring some joy to our neighbors," CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said in a press release.
The CSX Santa Train began in 1943 by the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce (then called the Merchants Bureau of Kingsport) as a way to thank patrons in nearby rural communities who came to Kingsport to do their shopping.
Back then, Santa would throw candy to young people, many of whom would run alongside the train.
Now the operation takes a year to plan and requires hundreds of volunteers on the ground and on the train to execute.
This year, the heritage 1902 Clinchfield Locomotive made its debut on the Santa Train route, honoring the Clinchfield Railroad that was originally chartered to serve coal mines in the area.
"This year's Santa Train was a powerful reminder of the deep connection between CSX and the Appalachian communities we serve," Hinrichs, who participated and handed out gifts, said.
"Our team is honored to be part of a tradition that brings joy and supports families in a meaningful way during the holiday season."
Read the original article on Southern Living