BNSF delivers freight – and good cheer – for holidays
By SUSAN GREEN
Staff Writer
The holidays are for giving, and BNSF trains have been helping stock the shelves for months in anticipation. Our dedicated employees work hard to bring those loads as well as embrace the spirit by lending their time, energy and cheer to those in need in their communities. Here are just some of the stories gathered from across our network about those who give back with joy.
Shopping Helpers
A holiday tradition continues in Cicero, Illinois, where about 20 BNSF employees recently joined Boys Club of Cicero kids and families for a festive shopping event. At a nearby Target, the youth got to select gifts using a $100 gift card each, courtesy of the BNSF Railway Foundation. The employees helped the kids select their gifts and keep within budget.
“Supporting the youth in communities where we operate is a core part of who we are at BNSF,” said Peter Skosey, executive director of public affairs for BNSF. “The Boys Club of Cicero does incredible work empowering young people, and we’re proud to partner with them not just during the holidays, but year-round through career days, basketball tournaments and educational railyard tours.”
This is the fourth year that BNSF has hosted the shopping spree at Cicero, where the railroad has maintained a significant presence for over a century, operating a major intermodal facility in the town.
Wreaths Across America
Lots of decorations are associated with the holidays, and one that’s become very special is a locomotive adorned with a Christmas wreath and American flag. It’s what the two together symbolize that make them so unique.
For the past four years in San Bernardino, California, BNSF, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Wreaths Across America and Patriot Guard members have conducted a ceremony with a BNSF locomotive decorated with both symbols. It’s part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America project that places wreaths on the graves of veterans.
On Dec. 12, J.B. Hunt provided a special semi-truck adorned with stars and stripes. Volunteers from the Patriot Guard escorted the tractor and trailer loaded with wreaths to Riverside National Cemetery. These wreaths, which BNSF and J.B. Hunt transported free of charge, were placed on veterans’ graves on Saturday, Dec. 13.
“Each year, the teams come together to honor those who served, even in the midst of our busiest season,” said BNSF’s Tom Batts, assistant terminal superintendent. “We demonstrate the value of coming together for a special purpose, while maintaining seamless operations.”
Polar Express Holiday Celebration
For the fourth year in a row, Amarillo, Texas, BNSF employees spent the afternoon spreading holiday cheer with about 240 children from the Maverick Boys & Girls Club. The festivities involved holiday treats, rides on the terminal’s mini train, an inside look at a locomotive, Christmas carolers, pictures with Santa and more.
The day was just part of the terminal’s Polar Express Holiday celebration, which reached 2,000 BNSF employees, family members or local children over a 72-hour period.
“The event was a tremendous success and there was an overwhelming amount of appreciation from those in the community as well as our employees and their families,” said Justin Gee, terminal superintendent.
In addition to hosting the Boys & Girls Club, employees conducted a toy drive for Toys for Tots in Amarillo.
Toy Drives
Recently, our Los Angeles-area Commerce locomotive facility and L.A. car shop marked their seventh annual toy drive for the Marine Toys for Tots with an incredible show of generosity. Teams came together to collect toys delivered to the local chapter to support families in need.
In Vancouver, Washington, employees from the terminal, mechanical shops and engineering filled six large barrels with toys. Thanks to the generosity of team members there, these donations were delivered to several non-profits in the area, helping brighten the holidays for many.
The city of Vancouver shared that this was one of their best collections from a single location.
Angel Tree
BNSF and J.B. Hunt partner in many ways. In addition to delivering freight via intermodal, we come together annually to support the Angel Tree program for The Salvation Army in Fort Worth, Texas, the railroad’s headquarters. BNSF employees help fulfill holiday needs and wishes of Salvation Army angels and J.B. Hunt donates a truck and two drivers to deliver the gifts to the Salvation Army warehouse.
This year, BNSF employees provided around 2,000 items valued at approximately $38,000 to 250 angels.
“North Texas hosts one of the largest Angel Tree programs and the need for children, seniors and adults with special needs was greater this year,” said BNSF Sales Manager and Angel Tree chair Lisa Cassidy. “We appreciate the generosity and support of Team BNSF making the holiday’s brighter for our community.”
Shop with a Cop
Law enforcement agents are heroes on many levels. Recently BNSF special agents Rick Colbert and James Hoffman were heroes to kids as part of the San Bernardino (California) County Sheriff’s Department’s Shop with a Cop program.
The two met with other law enforcement personnel early one Saturday morning to greet children and teens identified by the program as in need. They caravaned to a local park where Santa Claus landed in a helicopter.
Once each child had time with Santa, the caravan headed to a Walmart so kids could shop. Each officer shopped with an assigned child, helping them select toys, shoes and clothing before returning to the station to be reunited with parents.
Not only does the program allow a child to receive a much-deserved shopping spree, it also gives law enforcement professionals quality time with kids from the community they serve.
From all corners of our network, BNSF people are demonstrating their love for the communities in which they live and work, giving back to those in need, especially young ones. Thank you for your generosity. Giving is truly the best gift of the season!
