The North Pole came to Chatsworth Friday with dancing and singing elves, reindeer, snowmen and Santa Claus, all aboard a gaily decorated Metrolink train.
Hundreds of youngsters with their parents pressed towards the depot tracks to see the 16th annual Holiday Toy Express presentation. Decked with 50,000 lights, the train was a visual thrill.
Many families brought unwrapped gifts to contribute to the Los Angeles Fire Department's “Spark of Love Toy Drive.” The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council handed out red "Be Safe, Be Seen" safety flashers and fun slap bracelets. And inside the station, there was a Holiday Boutique to benefit the American Red Cross "Relay for Life."
The toy drive, in cooperation with KABC-TV, provides new unwrapped toys or sports gear to children who would otherwise go without a gift this holiday season.
Additional donations can be made at area fire stations, CVS pharmacies, or online at this secure site.
If you missed Friday's show, the Holiday Toy Express will roll into Northridge Station at 5:45 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, on it's tour of 42 communities throughout the Southland. You can find the full schedule here.
The Chatsworth holiday celebration will continue with the Holiday Parade and Festival down Devonshire Street on Dec. 9.
-- Text by Saul Daniels
