JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway’s 8th annual Christmas Train was a huge success again this year.
FEC employees, customers and suppliers together raised $370,000 in donations to buy over 24,000 toys for distribution to children in need living in the communities along the network that FEC serves. The toys were distributed in partnership with the local Toys for Tots programs managed by the United States Marine Corps.
Santa and his FEC “elves” boarded the festively decorated Christmas Train, which departed from Jacksonville in the early hours of December 9th. The special train made eight stops along the 351-mile route to Miami. By the end of the day, over 1,600 children received a special gift from Santa as he visited with each of them personally to hear their Christmas wishes.
"We are extremely proud of the results from this year’s Christmas train,” said FEC President & CEO, Jim Hertwig. “It is because of this compassionate giving that so many children along the Florida East Coast Railway network will wake up Christmas morning with a gift from Santa.”
The Christmas Train is a 501c3 non-profit and is a favorite tradition among the FECR family and its suppliers and customers. FEC gives special thanks to all who donated this year.
“This is just one way we give back to the communities where we live and work,” said Hertwig. “We thank everyone who made this event possible."
About Florida East Coast Railway
Florida East Coast Railway is a 351-mile freight rail system located along the east coast of Florida and is the exclusive rail provider for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach. FEC connects to the national railway system in Jacksonville, Florida, to move cargo originating or terminating there. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, FEC provides end-to-end intermodal solutions to customers who demand cost-effective and premium quality. For more information, visit www.fecrwy.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b489f01b-dfa5-45eb-a6c4-74adcb89f36e