Spreading Kindness

Holiday Express, the renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to brightening spirits during the holidays, is proud to announce the kickoff of its 31st performance season. This year, the organization is set to make 100 stops, delivering the gift of human kindness to those who need it most.

"Hope and joy are in the air as we begin our 31st season this November,” said Tim McLoone, founder of the organization, which got its start in 1993. “The Holiday Express journey has been a testament to the healing power of love, community, and music that we share with 30,000 people facing challenges. We’re thrilled to keep the holiday spirit alive.”

More than 2,500 volunteers have been working throughout the year to bring the joy of the holidays to people often forgotten during the holiday season, said Holiday Express Executive Director Eileen Higgins. “For many of the organizations that we visit, Holiday Express volunteers are the only visitors they see all year.”

From the start of November through Dec. 23, the Holiday Express team will host high-energy parties in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for children and adults with special needs, at veterans’ homes, developmental centers, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other agencies dedicated to strengthening the lives of people in need.

The Holiday Express experience is “magical,” says McLoone, who has witnessed people with physical and mental challenges come alive when the holiday music begins. In addition to live music, Holiday Express brings gifts and food – all donated – along with playful elves, and beloved costumed characters including the Grinch, Elmo, the Cookie Monster, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

According to Robin Hyson, program manager for CPC Integrated Health’s partial care program in Monmouth County, the annual Holiday Express event is a special time of the year that both clients and staff look forward to all year long. "The Holiday Express party brings out the best in everyone," Hyson said.

Higgins stressed that the nonprofit with a staff of only five employees relies 100 percent on the generosity of the community and volunteers to fulfill its mission of “delivering music, food, gifts, financial support, and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

“At Holiday Express, we believe that kindness is the greatest gift we can give to nurture the care and respect that all people need and deserve,” Higgins added.

Higgins said Holiday Express is thrilled to welcome area residents to two upcoming Holiday Express festive events:

• Red Bank Town Lighting, a free holiday show with the Holiday Express band and costumed characters on Friday evening, Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving. The event is hosted by Red Bank RiverCenter and takes place on Broad Street.
• Holiday Express Benefit Concert, Tuesday Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), at the Count Basie Center on Monmouth Street. McLoone will lead the band of 50 professional musicians and singers who will share their unique blend of traditional, gospel, and rock’n soul holiday music. The dazzling event is presented by Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., and proceeds will go towards spreading warmth and happiness to Holiday Express clients. Tickets for the show, which will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and other beloved characters, range from $25 to $125 and are available at https://thebasie.org/events/holiday-express-3.

Holiday Express encourages everyone to join them in their mission to spread hope, joy, and the gift of human kindness during this holiday season. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply attending their events, “you can be part of the magic that Holiday Express brings to people in our community,” McLoone said.

For more information, schedule details, or to get involved, please visit www.HolidayExpress.org.

About Holiday Express
We’re a charitable organization that brightens the holidays for vulnerable populations by bringing live music, entertainment, gifts, meals, hope, and joy to group homes, developmental centers, long-term hospitals, homeless shelters, special needs schools and other organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Founded by restaurateur and musician Tim McLoone, we’ve been delivering the gift of human kindness since 1993. Learn more about our mission at HolidayExpress.org.