Kansas City Southern posts 2019 Holiday Express train schedule

It still may be summer, but it's not too early for Kansas City Southern to roll out the 2019 schedule for its 19th annual Holiday Express train.

The six-car festive train will depart Nov. 27 from Shreveport, Louisiana, on this year's tour, which will stop in 20 communities in five U.S. states on 25 dates. The route will end Dec. 22 at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

The train is part of KCS' charitable programs. Over the past 18 years, the Class I's holiday project has raised more than $2.1 million, which was donated to The Salvation Army at each scheduled stop to help provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need.

“This special tradition brings people together, strengthens community ties and supports our corporate values," said KCS President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Ottensmeyer in a press release.

The company will accept tax-deductible contributions to the 2019 KCS Holiday Express fundraising campaign through Nov. 14.