KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express raised more than $215,000 to benefit the Salvation Army during its 2022 tour, the railroad has announced.
The holiday, train, returning after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, visited 20 communities in eight states and drew almost 48,000 visitors.
“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,” KCS CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer said in a press release. “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.”
The Holiday Express has now raised more than $3.1 million for the Salvation Army in 22 years of operation, while also providing essential items like coats, hats, and gloves to children in need.
Major sponsors include Bartlett, a Savage Company; Deanne Porter and Patrick Ottensmeyer Family Foundation; Haverty Family Foundation; Husch Blackwell; Kansas City Southern Historical Society; KingdomBuilding Leadership, Inc.; Precision Waste Solutions; RailPros; The Kansas City Southern Charitable Fund; Virginia Vollrath Hertenstein; Watco; and ZA Construction. A full list of sponsors is available here.
Kudos to the KCS for not only getting the train back, but raising the money as well.