The Santa Train: Holiday Heroes
The true meaning of Christmas can be found in the heart of Appalachia, where hundreds of children enjoy a brighter Christmas, thanks to a special locomotive and a dedicated group of volunteers who ride the rails.
Trains are common in small Appalachian towns. Most go unnoticed, except for today. This train carries precious cargo and the children here wouldn't miss it for anything.
"ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!"
Santa is the honorary passenger, and on board with him are 15 tons of toys. For more than half a century, the Santa Train has been winding its way through the remote hills and valleys of Appalachia, bringing good will and early Christmas cheer to one of the poorest parts of the country.
People come to see Santa of course and receive presents, but this year, there was an extra surprise.
"Seeing all those faces looking up at you, it's just a wonderful feeling and especially the people that work on the Santa Train and help Santa out. There's a lot of great people here and a lot of good hearts," says resident Patty Loveless.
This is coal-mining country, an area with a history of economic hardship. Things are better now than they used to be. But for many, jobs and money are still scarce. The Santa Train means a lot.
"It's a good thing. I'm glad they do it, I'd say there's a lot of people around here that appreciate it," says resident Rick Hamilton.
"I think it's wonderful because it gives to kids that are needy and kids that doesn't have a whole lot," says resident Danielle Meade.
Jason Vance used to wait for the Santa Train when he was little. Now, he's sharing the same experience with his little girl.
"It's just tradition. Every year we always come. We can't never miss the Santa Claus Train," he says.
But it takes a dedicated team to make the magic.
"The volunteers who ride the rails, that make this train happen, work like Trojans getting ready for it. They work for hours. The people who do this are so dedicated," notes Jeanette Blazier, mayor of Kingsport.
People like Darryl Rice, who says, "When you see those little children and when you hand them a present and see a smile on their face, if you come off the train without tears in your eyes, you're a better person that I am."
Santa-in-training Don Royston has logged a lot of miles (and memories) over the last 25 years.
"This may be the only time they see Santa, maybe some of them, the only thing they get for Christmas," he says.
And then, there's Santa's extra special helper.
"They've named me the angel of the Santa Train," says Regina Smith. She has made it her mission to ensure no child is left behind when the train pulls away. She makes sure everyone goes home with a gift, and a smile.
"She took it upon herself to find the child that was being missed in the back of the crowd," says Royston.
This is Smith's ninth year on the train. She collects gifts year-round. Most are donated; Smith finds the rest herself.
Savannah Church gets something special every year. With all the toys gone from the train, it is Smith who's left with perhaps the most valuable gift: gratitude.
"Regina, you're a wonderful person and an angel. Thanks for all you've done for all the kids. Love, Savannah and Tina," reads one letter she received along with a gift.
"It's a gorgeous angel. I can't cry. I got to get out and give these kids some toys. I can't be crying now," Smith says.
As long as there's a Santa Train with toys to deliver and children in need, you'll find Regina and the rest of the Santa Train volunteers right there.
"It makes me feel that I've accomplished something and brought a smile to their face. It just touches your heart. You can't help but want to come back," Smith says.
The Santa Train is sponsored by CSX railroad and the Kingsport, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Smith and the train accept toys year-round.
For information about donations, visit kingsportchamber.org