Kree Harrison Joins Santa Train on 71st Run

Kree Harrison joined the Santa Train this year as it made its way through Appalachia, handing out gifts through rural Kentucky, Virgina and Tennessee.

The 'American Idol' runner up first rode the Santa Train in 2001, when she was just 11 years old.

"Being able to experience the Santa Train the first time was life-changing," Harrison says in a press release. "But being able to come back 12 years later and see how much this event has grown, the number of families it helps and the joy it brings to these communities is truly something I will never forget."

The 110-mile run took place Saturday, Nov. 23 and distributed over 15 tons of toys and gifts to locals along the route. The trip began in Pikeville, Ky. and proceeded to carry 100 volunteers from CSX, Dignity U Wear, Food City and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, including Santa Claus himself.

"This year was phenomenal, and everyone involved worked tirelessly to make this year's event a special experience for the children and families along the route," says Tori Kaplan, AVP of corporate social responsibility for CSX. "The Santa Train is such a beloved tradition, and we're honored to have the opportunity to continue sharing with the community."