ERWINN, TN (LOOTPRESS) – CSX is bringing holiday cheer to eastern Tennessee with a special event in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, the rail company will host its Holiday Express event at the CSX Yard in Erwin.
The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is a prelude to the 82nd annual CSX Santa Train and aims to uplift the community.
“Our team has been busy providing water and other relief since Hurricane Helene, and we will continue to support the community in the months ahead,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and CEO.
“The devastation across the region has been heartbreaking, and all of us at CSX want to try to bring some joy to our neighbors in Erwin, Unicoi County, and the surrounding region.”
The Holiday Express will feature a CSX train decorated with holiday lights, led by the new Clinchfield heritage locomotive.
Santa Claus will make a special appearance, and award-winning Americana singer/songwriter Drew Holcomb will perform.
Holcomb, known for his heartfelt music celebrating community and collaboration, will perform songs from Strangers No More Volume Two (2024) and Strangers No More (2023), including the No. 1 Americana hit, “Find Your People.”
To add to the festive spirit, Chick-fil-A will provide 5,000 of its famous Chicken Sandwiches, along with hot cocoa and cookies, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“It is a privilege to support our neighbors and the communities we serve in challenging times, and we are proud, for the first time ever, to add a one-time-only event to the traditional CSX Santa Train week,” said Bryan Tucker, vice president of stakeholder engagement and sustainability at CSX.
“We appreciate Drew Holcomb and Chick-fil-A for joining us in this special mission to deliver holiday cheer and we look forward to sharing more at the event about our plans to continue to support Appalachia in the weeks to come.”
