(Source: BNSF Railway press release, December 14, 2012)
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Santa Claus and his merry helpers will ride the rails and distribute gifts to hundreds of deserving children on board the 22nd annual BNSF Santa Claus Express train as it travels through Southern California beginning December 15th through December 17th.
Children are selected for the free rides by the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, Olive Crest, Scottish Rite, City of Hope, and other organizations. BNSF Railway employee volunteers will host the children and help Santa Claus and the Chipmunks deliver gifts and refreshments during each of the train trips.
“This is a very special trip for us because it allows our employees to give back to the communities we serve,” says Mark Kirschinger, General Manager for the California Division. “We are looking forward to giving these children a special gift this holiday season.”
At least 1,200 invited children and adults are expected to ride the special BNSF train consisting of two ultra-low emission locomotives and eight vintage passenger cars as it travels through the Southern California region. It will depart from the old Santa Fe depot, 1170 W. Third St. in San Bernardino on Saturday, December 15th at 9:00 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m. On Sunday, December 16th, children from the City of Hope Hospital will depart from the Metrolink station, 5091 Richton Street in Montclair at 9:00 a.m. The final trip will depart the Amtrak platform in Victorville, 1683 D St. in Victorville, Monday, December 17th, at 10:00 a.m.