BNSF News

Holiday Cheer Rolls Through Southern California Aboard Santa Claus Express

2009-12-21

Santa Claus and his merry helpers are riding the rails and distributing gifts to hundreds of deserving children on board the 19th annual BNSF Santa Claus Express train.

This year's Santa Claus Express traveled across Southern California Dec. 17 through today, Dec. 21.

BNSF employee volunteers hosted the children and helped Santa Claus deliver gifts and refreshments during each of the trips.

"At BNSF, we work with trains every day, but because of our special guests, the Santa Claus Express is particularly significant for our company and our employees," said Mark Kirschinger, BNSF general manager, California Division. "It's great to see the kids' eyes light up when they see Santa Claus."

At least 1,600 children and adults rode the special BNSF train, consisting of two locomotives and seven restored vintage passenger cars, as it traveled through Southern California. The Santa Claus Express visited Commerce, Wilmington, San Bernardino, Duarte and Victorville.

Children were selected for the free rides by the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, Arrowhead United Way, Salvation Army Red Shield Youth and Community Center, Comprehensive Child Development Center, Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, City of Hope Hospital and Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center at Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach and other organizations.

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