Metra and Operation North Pole (ONP) are encouraging Chicago area residents to come out this Saturday, Dec. 14 to cheer on the families participating in ONP’s annual holiday train trip for seriously and terminally ill children and their families.
For the past eight years, ONP and its volunteers have helped spread the spirit of the holidays to children and families affected by illness with a day-long Christmas event featuring a ride to see Santa at the North Pole aboard a special train along Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line. Since 2011, the exterior of the train has been decorated with a holiday theme sponsored by the charity. After Saturday’s event, the decorated train will be used for commuter service on all three Metra commuter lines operated by Union Pacific.
This year, ONP is inviting the public to come out for the first chance to view the latest version of its holiday train and cheer on the families during their journey to the North Pole. Due to the number of buses and escort vehicles used for the event, as well as the needs of the participating families, the public is strongly encouraged to view the train from locations north of the Des Plaines Metra Station. ONP is encouraging people to pack the route to cheer them on. The train is scheduled to pass through the following communities Saturday, Dec. 14 on the following schedule:
12:30 p.m. – Train departs Pingree Road Station in Crystal Lake
12:35 p.m. – Cary Station
12:38 p.m. – Fox River Grove Station
12:44 p.m. – Barrington Station
12:48 p.m. – Baldwin Road crossing
12:49 p.m. – Quentin Road crossing
12:51 p.m. – Palatine Station
12:53 p.m. – Rohlwing Road crossing
12:55 p.m. – Arlington Park Station
12:58 p.m. – Arlington Heights Station
1:06 p.m. – Cumberland Station
1:10 p.m. – Stop at North Pole (Des Plaines Station)
In addition, ONP is paying it forward this year by partnering with the Barrington-based charity, Let it Be Us. The charity advocates on the behalf of children in foster care across Illinois and recruits foster and adoptive parents. All are encouraged to come out to the Barrington Station to cheer on ONP and bring donations of socks, underwear, pajamas, warm coats, hats, gloves, or nonperishable snacks for Let it Be Us, which will use the donations to provide children in the Illinois foster care system with essential items.
Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with an incredible crew of local firefighters and police officers, will escort the families to a winter wonderland at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont for an afternoon filled with dancing, food, candy, music, games and presents.
For more information about ONP’s mission, as well as information on how to volunteer or donate, visit its website.