2021 KCS Holiday Express: Train Cancelled, Fundraiser On

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
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Kansas City Southern (KCS) will not operate its Holiday Express train for the second consecutive year due to the pandemic, but the Class I railroad is celebrating the program’s 21st anniversary with its fundraiser benefiting The Salvation Army.

Over the past 20 years, the KCS Holiday Express project has raised more than $2.6 million, which has been distributed to The Salvation Army to help provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need.

KCS President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer

This year, even without scheduled train stops, 21 communities along the KCS network will receive funds: Kansas City and Slater, Mo.; East St. Louis, Ill.; Pittsburg, Kans.; Ashdown and Mena, Ark.; Poteau and Stilwell, Okla.; Houston, Laredo, Port Arthur, Victoria and Wylie, Tex.; Baton Rouge, DeQuincy, Gonzalez and Shreveport, La.; and Corinth, Jackson, Meridian and Vicksburg, Miss.

“While it’s still not safe to gather for visits with Santa and tours through the train, the true stars of the show are The Salvation Army and the work it does all year round,” KCS President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer said.

Major Kelly Collins, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division

“In this pandemic, the fastest increasing area of need is for families who will be unable to pay their rent or mortgages and face eviction,” said Major Kelly Collins, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division. “The donations The Salvation Army will receive through the KCS Holiday Express will keep families in their homes and keep hope marching on for them into 2022.”

To donate, visit the 2021 KCS Holiday Express website.

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