New Jersey TRANSIT Santa Train helps hundreds of kids ring in the holidays
HOBOKEN, N.J. -- All aboard the NJ Transit Santa Train!
Elves and engineers teamed up to create an unforgettable experience for hundreds of kids in New Jersey on Friday.
"We get wishlists for them for their Christmas present. We buy a Christmas present for them, wrap it for them, and Santa Claus gives them out. We feed them lunch and give them a great ride and a great day," said David Decker, president of Railmen for Children.
The Railmen for Children organization has been collecting money to spread cheer and buy gifts for the event for more than 40 years.
Some of the kids said it's about more than presents.
"To see Santa!" said 7-year-old Tahsir.
"Just seeing the kids getting in the train, it's just their smiles, and it's just, oh my god, just beautiful," said Gil Estrada, a parent.
If the train is the sleigh, NJ Transit engineer Boguslaw Lozanski may as well be Rudolph.
"It's an honor to do this every year. I really look forward to doing this for all the children," said Lozanski, who's been driving the Santa Train for five years.
After the fun-filled journey, the Santa Train rolled back into Hoboken Terminal full of happy kids.
"I'm so grateful for my presents, my family, my whole life," one said.
This year, 350 lucky kids got to ride the Santa Train.