Kingsport, Tenn. ? Naomi Judd will be riding the 63rd annual Santa Train today, helping deliver 15 tons of goodies and gifts to the children of Appalachia.

Donated by Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX Transportation and loaded with food and toys secured by grocer Food City of Abingdon, Va., the train trip kicks off the holiday season with a 110-mile trek to 15 communities in eastern Kentucky and Virginia.

The train arrives back in Kingsport in time for Santa to join the Christmas parade this afternoon.

“CSX is honored to have Naomi Judd onboard this year. Her presence will bring additional excitement and help us make the holidays brighter for hundreds of families in the area,” said Michael J. Ward, CSX chairman, president and CEO.

Judd, best known for her Grammy-winning duets with her daughter, Wynonna, also is the author of three children’s books. She will have plenty of copies of her latest offering, “Gertie the Goldfish and the Christmas Surprise,” to give away.

Originally from Ashland, Judd says she is proud of her Kentucky heritage and is looking forward to sharing the Christmas spirit with the communities.