Company: CSX Corporation, Jacksonville, FL
Nomination Submitted by: FTI Consulting
Company Description: CSX Corporation is one of the nation's leading transportation suppliers. The company’s rail and intermodal businesses provide rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers. CSX's network encompasses 20,000 route miles of track in 26 states, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Nomination Category: Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, & Public Relations Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Community Relations
 Nomination Title: CSX Santa Train
- Which will you submit for this nomination, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated PR campaign or program, or written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Specify the date on which this campaign or program was launched:
2024
- Optional: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Describe the genesis of the nominated campaign or program: the reasons it was initiated, the challenges it was created to address, the problems it was developed to solve, etc. (up to 250 words):
Total 119 words used.
For 82 years, the CSX Santa Train has been one of the nation's most cherished holiday traditions, bringing joy and hope to the heart of Appalachia. In 2024, the tradition took on even greater meaning, as the train served a region recovering from devastating storms. On Saturday, November 23, the Santa Train embarked on its iconic 110-mile route from Shelbiana, Kentucky, to Kingsport, Tennessee. Along the way, it spread holiday cheer and delivered over 15 tons of toys, gifts, and winter essentials to thousands of excited families. Since 1943, the Santa Train has stood as a symbol of community and compassion during the holiday season, and in 2024, it remained a beacon of joy for all who encountered it.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Describe the development of the campaign or program: the planning process, the goal setting, the creative and media development, the scheduling, etc. (up to 250 words):
Total 96 words used.
The train starts out in Shelbiana, Kentucky. At each stop there are dozens to hundreds of people and Santa and his helpers toss stuffed animals. Meanwhile, groups of volunteer “elves” carrying bags full of gifts fan out, making sure every child goes home with something. Each year they hand out more than 15 tons of gifts that include hats, mittens and fuzzy blankets along with board games, skateboards and teddy bears. CSX employees consider it an honor to be chosen to staff the Santa Train as volunteers and they are chosen specifically to support these communities.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this fourth question: Outline the activities and concrete results of this campaign or program since the beginning of 2023. Even if your initiative started before 2023, limit your response to activities and results since the beginning of 2023 only (up to 250 words):
Total 97 words used.
The year 2024 brought an exciting addition to the celebration with the Holiday Express event in Erwin, Tennessee. The Santa Train doesn’t usually run to Erwin, but CSX added a special event this year to bring cheer to the community. The event welcomed an estimated 4,000 attendees and featured a special performance by country artist Drew Holcomb in an area deeply impacted by Hurricane Helene. With the vital support of partners like Appalachian Power, Food City, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and Soles4Souls, the CSX Santa Train continued its proud legacy of making a meaningful difference.
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