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By Cinira Baldi, CEO, Good360
This year, I had the privilege of joining CSX’s annual running of the Santa Train, an 83-year-old tradition that brings gifts and holiday cheer to communities along a 110-mile route through Appalachia.
The day began before sunrise. At 4 a.m., alongside dozens of volunteers, I boarded the CSX Santa Train as it set out to make 13 stops across Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. As we traveled, we passed homes still bearing the scars of Hurricane Helene, with trees collapsed through living rooms, structures visibly damaged, and communities still in recovery. Many of the towns we stopped in are home to families already facing financial hardship, now forced to make impossible choices this season between purchasing essentials or gifts for their children. Mile after mile, the need was unmistakable and deeply humbling.
Against that backdrop, the CSX Santa Train became a powerful symbol of hope. Hundreds of families gathered in the cold, waiting eagerly for the train to arrive. As we handed out winter gear, including mittens, backpacks, and toys, it was impossible not to feel the weight of what those items represented. These items are more than just products – they represent relief, dignity, and reassurance for families doing their very best under incredibly difficult circumstances.
The day before, CSX and its partner, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, hosted a special indoor celebration in Clintwood, Virginia, designed for a select group of children with disabilities and sensory sensitivities. For many of these children, the large crowds and loud noises from the train would have been too overwhelming. Good360 was proud to support this event by providing winter accessories and toys so every child could experience the joy of the season in a safe, welcoming environment. One volunteer shared, “This gave them one-on-one time with Santa and a chance to truly feel the magic of the holidays.”
Experiences like this underscore why our work matters. When communities are supported in ways that respect their needs and realities, and when partners come together with empathy and purpose, we are doing far more than distributing goods. We are helping families feel seen, supported, and included, especially during moments that should be filled with joy
