Holiday train brings joy and help to Owatonna
The Dec. 6 CPKC Holiday Train festivities in Owatonna included a visit from Santa, who handed out candy canes to delighted children. The event raised more than $6,000 for the Community Pathways food shelf. Staff photo by Joni Hubred
The CPKC Holiday Train rolled into Owatonna on Dec. 6 hauling plenty of Christmas cheer and some good news for the Community Pathways food shelf.
Since 1999, the lighted train has toured Canada and the U.S. every two years to raise support and awareness for community food banks. The COVID pandemic canceled the 2021 tour, so this marked the first time Owatonna had seen the train in four years.
Community Pathways director Dom Korbel said CPKC (the combined Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railways) not only provides a direct donation but also encourages the community to contribute as well.
“They want us to do a big party when they come and visit, and it’s fun,” he said. “They partner with food banks and food shelves anywhere along their route to fight food insecurity and make a difference. It’s really about bringing people together to continue to raise awareness and help people in need for the holidays.”
Along with a $5,000 donation from CPKC, Community Pathways received another $1,051 in freewill donations and collected 282 pounds of food during the late afternoon event.
Last year, the nonprofit served a record 550 families each week. The current six-week average, Korbel said, is 860.
"The good news is, it’s about levelled off,” he said, “but it’s still a significant increase. The need’s never been greater.”
Many of those seeking help, Korbel said, are coming in now because “we’ve done a great job of creating an experience that’s respectful and dignified in a great beautiful building that this community made possible. I think there’s a group of people who have needed help for a long time but have shown up now because of the experience we’ve created to make it okay to need help.”
Also, he said, “More people than ever are living on that edge. They need help for a month, or two months, or six months.” Community Pathways also serves a small group of people in need from outside the community.
The work of providing food, as well as clothing and household goods through the Unique Finds thrift store, happens only with support from a very generous community, Korbel said.
“Owatonna and Steele County are special, and we need them to keep being special.”
To learn more about Community Pathways and how you can help, visit communitypathwayssc.org.