On Saturday, Dec. 15, the popular West Coast Express Santa Train will be back on track, offering free rides to passengers in return for new, unwrapped toys.

Now in its 16th year, the Santa Train collects toys on behalf of Christmas bureaus throughout the communities West Coast Express serves, including SHARE in the Tri-Cities, the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society, and the Christmas Bureau in Mission.

In 2011, West Coast Express collected more than 3,900 toys and $1,260 in cash donations.

"West Coast Express passengers have embraced the Santa Train because it's a fun-filled way to give back to families in need in their communities," said Fred Cummings, president and general manager of West Coast Express.

Want to come along for the ride? Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any West Coast Express Station on Dec. 15 and, in exchange, you will receive a same-day return ticket for the West Coast Express.

The Santa Train is fun for the entire family. Santa will be on board the morning train to Waterfront Station to visit with kids of all ages, and will be on the West Coast Express concourse at Waterfront Station in the afternoon (from 3 to 4 p.m.) for photos.

West Coast Express is also supporting a food drive in the northeast sector by collecting non-perishable food donations at any of its stations through Dec. 15.

While food donations are greatly appreciated, to hop on board a Santa Train and receive a free return-ticket, each passenger must donate a new, unwrapped toy.