The Chicago Transit Authority will dispatch the 9th Annual Holiday Food Train to three stations along the Blue Line on Sunday, December 3 between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
CTA's Holiday Food Train -- a resplendent six-car model that boasts more than 30,000 lights, ornaments, holiday music and reindeer pulling Santa in his sleigh aboard a flatcar -- will include CTA elves who will unload more than 300 food baskets for needy families and pass out candy to children of all ages.
Representatives from a number of community organizations and alderman will be on hand to accept the special Yuletide delivery at the Division, 18th Street and UIC/Halsted stations, along the Blue Line.
Each food basket contains enough items to make a complete meal including: a 5-pound canned ham, cut yams, muffin mix, macaroni & cheese, mixed vegetables, rice, sweet peas, apple sauce, fruit punch and cookies.
More than $4,000 in CTA employee donations, together with $3,000 from Mayor Richard M. Daley's 'sharing It? program, went toward the purchase of the groceries.
"I am very proud of our employees who have gone all out to spread Yuletide cheer by helping those in need," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. "The CTA Holiday Train is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the customers who ride our trains and buses each day."
CTA's Holiday Train will not be in regular service during deliveries. Media representatives are invited to ride aboard and/or cover the activities at each of the stations.
CTA's Holiday Train schedule for Sunday, December 3 is as follows:
3:55 p.m.
Train Arrives: Division Street
Division & Milwaukee
Food presented to:
26th Ward Alderman Billy Ocasio
35th Ward Alderman Vilma Colom
Campbell Terrace
Linder House
Plaza Taino
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce
4:25 p.m.
Train Arrives: 18th Street Station
1710 W. 18th Street
Food presented to:
25th Ward Alderman Danny Solis
Holy Cross
El Hogar del Nino Day Care
St. Anne's
St. Paul Church
United Neighborhood Organization
Chinese Benevolent Association
5:22 p.m.
Train Arrives: UIC/Halsted Station
430 S. Halsted
Food presented to:
27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr.
Henry Horner
Cabrini Green
Bethel New Life
For more information, please contact CTA Media Relations at 312-222-6106.
###