Organizers estimate that over 2,500 people attended the CPKC Holiday Train event in Thief River Falls on Thursday, Dec. 14. During the Holiday Train event and the Dine With Santa event, which was held at the Heritage Community Center, nearly $12,000 was raised for the Thief River Falls Area Food Shelf.
It was a great night for the event. Compared to past years, the temperature outside was balmy.
CPKC donated $6,000 to the food shelf in the midst of its electric performances. This was the 25th year supporting food banks and food shelves across the CPKC network.
In addition to the CPKC Holiday Train, this year the Heritage Community Center hosted a Dine With Santa event.
Alecia Hunt, executive director of the Thief River Falls Area Food Shelf, said 307 people attended the supper. Families could also pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
In addition to the financial donations, area residents contributed a total of 504 pounds of food.
Hunt thanked the community and its many partners, especially Evergreen Catering and Bakery, for supporting the event. A letter from Hunt can be found on the Editorial Page of this newspaper.