### Santa Train Spreads Holiday Joy Across Appalachian Communities

Since 1943, the residents of Appalachian Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have eagerly awaited Santa's arrival, not by sleigh but aboard the iconic Santa Train. This year marks the 82nd journey of the Santa Train along a 110-mile stretch of the CSX rail line, winding through remote coal-country river valleys, delivering gifts and festive cheer to small towns.

Sandra Owens from Haysi, Virginia, treasures the annual event. Clutching a pink pillowcase adorned with "Thank you CSX and volunteers for the Santa Train. 82," Owens reflects on her long history with the train. A Kentucky resident for the past 55 years, she first experienced the Santa Train with her 3-year-old son, who is now 46. These days, she shares the tradition with her grandchildren and looks forward to including her great-grandchildren. "The faces of the kids, that's what makes me happy," she said. "You can't see anything better."

Launching from Shelbiana, Kentucky, the train departs in the pre-dawn hours with families eagerly awaiting its arrival at each stop. From the back of the train, Santa and his helpers distribute stuffed animals, while volunteer "elves" ensure each child receives a gift. Each year, more than 15 tons of gifts, including hats, mittens, fuzzy blankets, board games, skateboards, and teddy bears, are handed out.

Donna Dougherty from Snowflake, Virginia, reminisces about her childhood in Fort Blackmore, where the Santa Train was a significant source of joy and gifts. "Years back, we didn't get a lot," she said. "So back then this was kind of what we got, and we were proud of it. It meant a lot to us." Dougherty continues the tradition by bringing her niece to Fort Blackmore, embracing the heartfelt spirit the event fosters. "It's really nice that they do this," she said. "It shows the true Christmas spirit."

CSX employees are honored to volunteer for the Santa Train. Jesse Hensley, a machinist mechanic from Erwin, Tennessee, spent 35 years trying to secure a spot on the train, driven by his wife Angie’s cherished memories of the train from her childhood in St. Paul, Virginia. This year, after their extensive volunteer work following Hurricane Helene's devastating floods in Erwin, the couple was selected to join the train. Although the Santa Train does not pass through Erwin, CSX hosted a special holiday event for the community, with a visit from Santa aboard a festively lit train.

Angie Hensley beamed with excitement during the Santa Train ride, distributing toys to children, including her grandnieces and grandnephews in St. Paul. The experience of helping on the train surpassed all her expectations.

Joining the volunteers was CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs, who personally handed out toys at every stop. Hinrichs fondly recalled a memorable moment from a previous year, when volunteers gifted a giant teddy bear to a disabled child. "We brought it out there, and everybody got around it, and we gave it to him. And there wasn't a dry eye anywhere," he said. "It was a magical moment."

Through its 82-year legacy, the Santa Train continues to bring joy, embodying the true spirit of Christmas for many families in Appalachia.