Florida East Coast's Christmas Train surpassed fundraising goal

Florida East Coast Railway's (FEC) 2013 Toys for Tots Christmas Train raised more than $275,000, surpassing last year's fundraising total by more than 139 percent, railroad officials announced earlier this week.

In addition, FEC provided more than 2,250 toys to U.S. Marine Corps representatives for local Toys for Tots programs at eight separate locations. The train ran from Jacksonville to Miami on Dec. 14.

"We want to thank everyone who made this event possible. It is because of this compassionate giving that many children in the communities we serve welcomed Christmas morning with a gift from Santa," said FEC President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hertwig in a press release.

FEC operated the Christmas Train for the fourth consecutive year. The train is the premier fundraising event for employees, customers, vendors and suppliers, FEC officials said.