CSX Santa Train Completes Its 82nd Journey & CSX Holiday Express visits Helene devastated Erwin, Tenn.

The CSX Santa Train has successfully completed its 82nd annual run, spreading holiday cheer across Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and Tennessee on Saturday, November 23. Thousands of families lined the 110-mile route from Shelbiana, Kentucky to Kingsport, Tennessee, as the beloved train brought an abundance of toys, backpacks, winter weather accessories and holiday joy to Appalachian communities.

“This year’s Santa Train was a powerful reminder of the deep connection between CSX and the Appalachian communities we serve,” said Joe Hinrichs, president and chief executive officer of CSX. “Our team is honored to be part of a tradition that brings joy and supports families in a meaningful way during the holiday season. We look forward to many more years of delivering the magic of the CSX Santa Train.”

The CSX Santa Train, one of the nation’s oldest and most cherished holiday traditions, distributed more than 15 tons of gifts to families along the route, making this year’s event another resounding success. Families from across the region gathered to share in the holiday spirit and continue a tradition that has united communities since 1943.

This year’s CSX Santa Train featured the heritage 1902 Clinchfield Locomotive which made its inaugural run on this year’s route. The Clinchfield honors the Clinchfield Railroad that was originally chartered to serve coal mines in eastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia and Eastern Tennessee.

“Every year, we are inspired by the smiles and heartfelt stories shared along the route that remind us why this tradition is so special,” said Bryan Tucker, vice president of stakeholder engagement and sustainability at CSX. “We’re grateful to everyone who makes this journey possible and to the communities who welcome us each year.”

The 2024 CSX Santa Train was made possible through longstanding partnerships with Appalachian Power, Food City, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and Soles4Souls. This collaborative effort ensures that the CSX Santa Train’s impact reaches as many families as possible, offering not only gifts but also a reminder of the strength and resilience of Appalachian communities.

For more updates, route inquiries and additional information regarding this year’s event, follow the CSX Santa Train on Facebook and Instagram.

           

CSX Hosted a festive Holiday Express on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the CSX Yard in Erwin, delivering cheer to hundreds affected by Hurricane Helene. “The devastation across the region has been heartbreaking, and all of us at CSX want to try to bring some joy for our neighbors in Erwin, Unicoi County and the surrounding region, said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs in a press release.

The event featured the heritage 1092 Clinchfield locomotive, pulling the CSX Holiday Express train cars, every piece adorned with holiday lights. americana singer/songwriter Drew Holcomb performed a concert that celebrated the community, including music from his recent albums, “Strangers No More Volume Two” and “Strangers No More”.

Attendees were treated to 5,000 sandwiches donated by Chick-Fil-A, as well as food from other local restaurants. Hot cocoa and cookies were also served on a first-come first-served basis.

“It is a privilege to support our neighbors and the communities we serve in challenging times, said Bryan Tucker, CSX vice president of stakeholder engagement and sustainability. “We appreciate Drew HOlcomb and Chick-fil-A for joining us in this special mission to deliver holiday cheer, and we look forward to sharing more about our plans to continue to support Appalachia in the weeks to come”.

Railroad executives gave a big thank you to all of their CSX employees working to make the Holiday Express a huge success for the people in Erwin and Unicoi County.  “”We’re grateful to be here because we know you’ve been through so much in Erwin.  We wanted to show you a little holiday spirit and love”.

As part of the celebration, CSX announced $25,000 in donations giving $5,000 to each of five regional organizations:  East Tennessee Foundation, United Way of East Tennessee Highlands, The Mitchell County Downtown Foundation, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and MANNA Food Bank. CAX also donated $5,000 to the Unicoi County Board of Education.

Photos below from CSX, Ed Rode and The Erwin Record
 

The CSX Santa Train, which will make its 82^nd trek in 2024, is one of the nation’s oldest holiday traditions, delivering over 15 tons of toys, backpacks and winter clothing to Appalachian families along 110 miles of railroad tracks through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. The CSX Santa Train is presented in partnership with Appalachian Power, Food City, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and Soles4Souls. We welcome you to follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates. For more information, visit https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/community-investment/csx-in-service/.