The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train greeted a large crowd of excited children, parents, grandparents, friends and more Monday evening, and it attracted a lot of donations for the local food shelf.

“I love the idea of the community coming out, the fact that the community is a very giving community,” Salvation Army Lt. David Amick said during the evening. “Our truck is probably half full.”

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, is a train decorated in Christmas lights and with a drop down stage on one car. Those attending to see the train also got treated to holiday music from Doc Walker and Kira Isabella. The train’s goal is two-fold: to ring in the Christmas spirit and to fight hunger.

Every donation goes to the Austin Salvation Army Food Shelf, explained Melissa Murray from the CP Holiday Train. The train organizers, along with Miss Austin, also presented a check for $4,500.

“I see a lot of people tonight who have brought donations, so everything that is brought here tonight will stay in Austin to help the local community,” she said.

Since the train comes every other year, this is only Amick’s third year receiving donations from the event, but it was the busiest year he had seen. Amick said each year the train has come, he and other organizers in Austin have learned a little more about how the event works.

“The first year we got here, we had no idea where the train was going to open, so we parked over there [away from the train] and it was very cold and very icy,” Amick said. “So I didn’t walk around picking up bags, I slid everywhere.”

“In years passed, it’s been interesting,” he added. “Every year I learn something new about how to do things and how to take care of things.”

Amick hoped the community had a great time while giving back with donations. He was glad there is a free event for families to come to around Christmas time and spend time together.

“I hope they have a good time, I really do,” he said. “It’s another event that the community can get together and enjoy themselves.”

For Mickey Smith, Barb Voogd and Joan Larson — three friends — enjoying the train was a first.

“We are here to watch this train, and I work in the school system and there’s a big hype with the train so I have to come check it out,” Smith said.

She enjoyed watching the children get excited about the lights and performances. Voogd was excited for the new experience.

“I’m excited, I’ve always heard about it,” she said. “And just to catch that little holiday spirit.”

Larson was on the lookout for children from her daycare, as many were attending the event with their families to see the lights and the train pull in.

The 17th year of the CP Holiday Train will visit more than 150 communities during its three-week journey, raising awareness and donations for local food banks.

“I hope [people] get to get into the holiday spirit with the people they love,” Murray said. “But I also hope that if families are coming, if they’re able to come with a donation and spread that message to their kids, that what’s really important is spending time together and then giving back to the community if you’re able to.”

She thanked everyone who helped make this stop possible, including local train masters and railroad foremen.