Port Arthur holiday train stops help raise more than $200K
Published 12:38 am Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Port Arthur Mayor Bartie, right, is pictured with his son PAISD Trustee Brandon Bartie and grandson Brenden Bartie. (Monique Batson/The News)
The KCS Holiday Express Train stopped in Port Arthur Thursday. (Monique Batson/The News)
Savannah Cantafio, 2, of Port Neches tours the KCS Holiday Express Train. (Monique Batson/The News)
Stacie Cooper takes a photo of her daughter Paris Cooper, 2, as she looks at a display inside the train. (Monique Batson/The News)
Elf Barbara and Elf Marty are on board the KCS Holiday Express Train. (Monique Batson/The News)
"Elves" help Elaine Sanchez off the train while Ronaldo Snachez carries 1-year-old Roman Sanchez behind her. (Monique Batson/The News)
Tynitsha Catman and her daughter Koi Chapman, 9, of Port Arthur turned out for the 2022 fun. (Monique Batson/The News)
Beau Burnett, 7, hugs the Chick-fil-A cow. In front of him is his sister, 5-year-old Bryley Burnett. (Monique Batson/The News)
Briceidy Lopez, 8, works on a letter to Santa Claus. (Monique Batson/The News)
Julie Miller holds Dean Miller, 2, for a picture with Santa Claus. (Monique Batson/The News)
Kayla Peltier and Greyson Peltier, 3, get hot chocolate from Debbie Perkins with the Port Arthur Sertoma Club during the fun in 2022. (Monique Batson/The News)
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The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train made a stop through Port Arthur this month, which brightened the Christmas spirit locally but also helped raise money for a great cause.
Well, Kansas City Southern officials have announced just how successful the effort was.
The program raised more than $215,000 to benefit The Salvation Army in 20 communities in eight states where the KCS Holiday Express train stopped in 2022.
In addition, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, almost 48,000 visitors were welcomed to the train in free public events.
“I am so pleased that we were able to bring the KCS Holiday Express train back to communities on our U.S. network and make a significant charitable contribution to help people in need,” said KCS president and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. “The Holiday Express remains an important expression of KCS’ commitment to the communities we serve, and we are delighted it was once again a great success. Thanks to the many KCS employees and volunteers who make this annual tradition possible.”
There was an amazing response in Port Arthur.
Hundreds of people from Southeast Texas waited in line at the Port Arthur International Seafarer’s Center Dec. 1 to begin an experience that included caroling, writing letters to Santa, taking pictures with Santa and touring the train.
Savannah Cantafio, 2, who eagerly toured the train in awe as her mother followed behind. Cantafio is from Port Neches.
Also from Port Neches was Beau Burnett, 7, and his sister Bryley Burnett, 5.
Beau said he had a great time, and “the trains that run under us” was his favorite part.
Briceidy Lopez, 8, thought hard as she wrote a letter to Santa inside the Seafarer’s Center. The Port Arthur child put “a cat” as the single item under her wish list.
Major Kelly Collins, divisional commander of The Salvation Army’s Kansas and Western Missouri Division, says the KCS Holiday Express brought Christmas and assistance to so many communities over the years.
“We will always remain grateful to the entire KCS family for supporting the work and mission of The Salvation Army through their work during the holiday season,” Collins said.
About
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., KCS is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. KCS’ North American rail holdings and strategic alliances with other North American rail partners are primary components of a unique railway system, linking the commercial and industrial centers of the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
