Jennifer Gilderman
Assistant Web Editor

Instead of taking a sleigh ride this year, Santa Claus traded it in and arrived in style on the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Train, which was decorated with over 50,000 lights on Saturday evening at the Pomona Metrolink station.

The Metrolink was quite eye-catching, as its lights dazzled from a distance and was decorated with garland, poinsettias and other fun holiday items.

It brought smiles and laughs to the faces of children and local residents as they enjoyed music, special guest and fun booths at the event.

"This is another example of Metrolink serving the needs of our county and the southland," Mike Bair, director of transit programs, said.

According to the Metrolink Web site this was the 11th year the 2007 Holiday Toy Express kicked off its journey and will visit about 45 stations through December.

With the holiday season quickly approaching this was the perfect time for family and friends to celebrate, as well as give back to the community.

Once again Metrolink joined forces with the local firefighters in the “Spark Of Love Toy Drive” and visitors were encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy.

So not only did children get to meet Santa and his friends, but they also got a chance to learn one of the holiday’s lessons – giving can be better than receiving.

"It's important for me to teach our children to give back," Kirsten Magnon, a mother of three said. "This is a great way to spend time with family and get into the Christmas spirit."

During the past years, the drive has collected more than 850,000 toys for needy children.

“Many underprivileged children may only see the gifts brought to them through programs such as the Firefighters' Spark of Love Toy Drive,” said Cheri Patterson, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"We see parents whose priority is paying the electric bill or buying groceries. Spending money for Christmas gifts just isn't possible," Patterson said.

So with fun events like the Metrolink Holiday Train, this is the perfect chance to have fun in your local community as well as bring a smile to the face of a child in need.

If you missed out on this week’s local stop, don't worry, there is still time to see the train and donate.  Go to www.metrolinktrains.com for schedules and more information regarding the event.

Jennifer Gilderman can be reached at jgilderman@ulv.edu.