Tri-State operated its twenty-fifth Santa Train out of Wayne, NJ on December 9, 2017. Over 2,000 people, including parents and children, were treated to a 45-minute ride with Santa, elves, carolers, and a host of characters over NJ Transit’s Montclair Boonton Line. The Santa Train is Tri-State’s largest annual fundraiser, enabling the organization to fund operations, equipment restorations and maintenance, and events. 2017’s train was the most successful one of the last five years.
A light snowfall throughout the day blanketed the scenery and framed a most joyous, happy day. Each child received a special gift from Santa, a candy cane, and coloring book. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Grinch, Snoopy, and Olaf the Snowman greeted families and posed for pictures.
Our train was staffed by a team of over fifty volunteers. Who are these folks? They are from all walks of life, including: a nurse, a pipe fitter, a hairdresser, a news cameraman, a painter, a professional ballet dancer, accountants, lawyers, and railroaders. Some of them were with us for the first time and some have been with Tri-State for decades. A great abundance of thanks is owed to all of them.
