Holiday train chugs across upstate NY, helps the hungry

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) Canadian Pacific has sent it's Christmas train, complete with red locomotive and decorated boxcars chugging off on its annual tour through eight U.S. states and six Canadian provinces.

In the last decade, the train has helped raise $4 million and 2 million pounds of food for local food banks.

The next two days see the train in several cities in upstate and northern New York. Then it's on to the Midwest and a coast-to-coast trek through the provinces. In all, The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will visit more than 130 communities.

The train is decked out in thousands of twinkling lights and at each stop, a boxcar stage opens up for music and free entertainment. Spectators are asked to bring food bank donations.

The train will be in Oneonta, N.Y., this afternoon, then stop in Cobleskill, Delanson, and Schenectady (skeh-NEK'-tah-dee).

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-29-09 0428CST | save this article / add to your favorites list