(The following story by Heather Asiyanbi appeared on the Journal Sentinel website on December 13.)
STURTEVANT, Wisc. — Hundreds of area residents demonstrated the true holiday spirit of giving by coming out in the driving rain to help others.
Some 750 people came to see the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Holiday Train that chugged into the Sturtevant Amtrak depot on Tuesday night.
The festively lighted train, topped by no fewer than three Christmas trees, was scheduled to make stops in 75 cities throughout the Midwest, northeast in the United States and Canada to promote the idea of giving to local food banks.
People here gave more than 1,700 pounds of food and nearly $1,000 in cash to benefit the Racine County Food Bank, which serves all area pantries, seasonal and year-round shelters as well as area meal programs.
The crowd was a welcome sight to Tom Berger, director of the Racine County Food Bank, who admitted he was anxious about the turnout given the poor weather conditions.
“As soon as I realized the rain wasn’t going to let up, I really thought the turnout would be low,” he said. “But as much as a half-mile away, cars lined both sides of the street and then the parking lot was full and I actually worried I wouldn’t have anywhere to park the food bank’s truck.”
Berger said the train was beautiful and the crowd showed its appreciation with plenty of “oohs” and “aahs.” The side of one boxcar opened up to reveal a stage and musicians who led the crowd in singing Christmas carols.
Village President Steve Jansen said he, too, was worried the turnout would be low because of the rain and wind and was pleased at the size of the crowd.
“I am so grateful for everyone who braved the elements and for their generosity,” he said. “I really hope this can be an annual event.”
Berger, who said the food bank is short 40,000 pounds of food this year, has seen a tremendous increase in need among county residents since the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1.
More than 260,000 pounds of food have been given to needy residents just in the first five months of the new fiscal year compared with more than 500,000 pounds of food given in the entire fiscal year ending June 30. Nearly 46% of those served are children, Berger said.
Past runs of the Holiday Train have netted a total of more than $1 million with all donations going directly to the communities in which they are collected.
Residents interested in giving to the Racine County Food Bank may drop off items at the food bank, 2000 DeKoven Ave., or by placing donations in barrels at Tri-City National Bank in Sturtevant and at the Racine County Convention and Visitors Bureau on Highway 20 just west of I-94.