FEC’s Christmas Train spreads Holiday cheer along Florida’s East Coast

Written Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a festive collaboration between Santa Claus, Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, the traditional sleigh ride is making a trade for a Christmas Train journey, covering 351 miles of Florida's east coast. This heartwarming initiative aims to bring gifts and holiday joy to communities, including New Smyrna Beach.

On Saturday, December 9, at 10:15 a.m., the FEC’s Christmas Train will make a scheduled stop at the north end of the yard at 507 S. Myrtle Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. The partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation allows FEC employees and their families to actively contribute to the Toys for Tots program in various communities along the east coast of Florida.

Santa Claus himself will be on board the Christmas Train, delivering contributions of toys to Toys for Tots representatives at other specific locations, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, City Point, Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami. The initiative is in coordination with local Toys for Tots organizations, and representatives from the United States Marine Corps will be present at each stop to receive the donated toys for distribution in their respective communities.

FEC's employees and their families will gather at each location to welcome Santa Claus and show their support for the Toys for Tots program. The Christmas Train's journey fosters a new tradition along Florida's east coast, showcasing FEC's commitment to the communities where its employees work daily.

Florida East Coast Railway, a regional freight railroad, spans a 351-mile corridor from Jacksonville, FL, to Miami, FL. With exclusive rail access to the Port of Palm Beach, Port Everglades, and the Port of Miami, the Railway plays a crucial role in the region's freight transportation. The Christmas Train initiative reflects FEC's dedication to positively impacting and spreading holiday cheer in the communities it serves.