Holiday Express Turns 25

Asbury Park

Holiday Express Turns 25

Celebration includes a planned record breaking 100 events

By Michelle Gladden

Holiday Express has an edict of spreading human kindness that is based in simplicity but was born from desperation.

“For me personally it’s been transformative,” said Tim McLoone, who created the nonprofit 25 years ago. “I’m honest with people about this – it came from a dark place for me. I just did not want the holiday season to come. I wasn’t prepared emotionally for it and I had to do something.”

He chose to organize a holiday shows as a way to give back to the community.

Today, Holiday Express is comprised of 2,500 volunteers [known as elves] and 150 musicians who will participate in 100 events within 49 days throughout three states that will serve 27,000 people and deliver 17,000 meals.

This is a 10 percent increase over last year and the addition of 11 new locations.

Eight-year elf Phyllis Peterson of Middletown said after retiring from job in New York City, she began volunteering. Soon her husband joined her after witnessing her reaction.

“I’d come home and tell him how meaningful it was and how much fun I was having and one year he said, pretty early on, I think I’m going to do Holiday Express with you.”

And for McLoone, who not only runs a host of eateries across the Monmouth County but serves as cross country and track coach, the aftermath of the holiday endeavor also sparked a bit of depression.

“I would be exposed to all this need and just the worst circumstances that could happen in families,” he said. But through the years, seeing the personal advancements and the feedback, helped fuel and change his outlook.

During a Thursday afternoon luncheon at McLoone’s Supper Club on the Asbury Park Boardwalk to kick off their holiday season, McLoone shared stories of those who he’s met through the years. They included time spent with teen mothers in Stamford Ct., a multi-year relationship with a struggling recovering addict, and a now 24-year-old low functioning young woman he communicates with via email due to advances in technology.

Their gift of spreading human kindness sets off on Monday at High Point School in Morganville and will run through December 24 with their celebration at Trinity Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen on Asbury Avenue. Holiday Express receives no state or federal funding and each event costs an average $6,500.

Public events include:

Nov. 19 Christmas Concert in the Park at Six flags Great Adventure,

Nov 24 Annual Red Bank Lighting

Dec 3 Ocean County College performance

Dec 7 CBA/Trinity Hall Concert

Dec 18 & 19 Count Basie Benefit Concert

For more information, how to adopt an event or contribute financial support, visit holidayexpress.org or call 732-544-8010.