a Kingsport tradition I'm very proud of... (living, law)

[kamoshika]

The Santa Train ran for the 65th year in a row today:

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in Kingsport, Tenn., and CSX Transportation Inc., the train delivers more than 15 tons of Christmas gifts to children living along a 110-mile stretch in the rural mountain communities of eastern Kentucky, western Virginia and northeast Tennessee.

Kingsport merchants started the Santa Train to show their appreciation to customers and help families with little money around Christmas. The gifts are collected through community donations.

While stories of need are still common in the crowds, the event has evolved into an annual tradition for all sorts of families. Most show up to the stops, armed with digital cameras and camcorders, to jump-start the holiday season for the kids with a few early gifts from Santa.
The Santa Train
Patty Loveless eager to reconnect with Appalachia on Santa Train
Let your childhood holiday memories inspire you to help those in need - Friday, 11/16/07 - Tennessean.com

[watotn]

My father in law always talks about that! He has so many fond memories about the santa train. When he talks about it he almost always tears up. He misses his hometown, born and raised, so bad...but he doesn't want to leave without his adult children.