CLEWISTON — United States Sugar Corporation’s recently restored historic steam locomotive, the Sugar Express will become the Santa Express for a short time this weekend.

On Dec. 12, the train will be used to donate gifts to Toys for Tots organizations around Lake Okeechobee with assistance from members of the United States Marines Corps and a little help from Santa Claus. The train will be making stops in Moore Haven, Clewiston, Belle Glade and Martin County. Parents can sign up to receive toys later in December directly from the program at toysfortots.org.

While the purpose of the stops will mainly be to drop off toys for local representatives from the Toys for Tots organizations, the public is welcome to come see the historic train and wave to Santa as well.

Santa will be along for the ride to wave at children along the route from the train, and at each of the four stops, children will be able to drop off a letter for Santa and see him on his very own train car.

The first stop will be at 8:30 a.m. at Park Avenue in Moore Haven. Next will be a stop at 9:45 a.m. at W.C. Owen Avenue in Clewiston, then an 11:15 a.m. stop at Osceola Street, Belle Glade, and finally a 1:45 p.m. stop at Morning Star Farms Road, Port Mayaca. The Santa Express will spend about 30 minutes at each stop.

In the interest of public safety, social distancing must be practiced at each stop and face coverings worn at all times to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID-19.

U.S. Sugar Corp. has been working to restore Engine No. 148 since 2016. The steam locomotive, which the Florida East Coast Railway originally received delivery of in June 1920, ran throughout their system, including on the fabled Key West Extension. The Florida East Coast Railway, the only rail system along the east coast of Florida, maintained the locomotive until 1952, when it was acquired by U.S. Sugar.

The restoration of the steam locomotive was completed just before U.S. Sugar began its 90th harvest season this year.