Santa's Magical Express visits Van Rensselaer Elementary School

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Christmas is less than two weeks away, and Santa Claus made an early stop in the Capital Region to spread some cheer to local children.

Santa's Magical Express visited Van Rensselaer Elementary School on Thursday to deliver gifts to students in pre-Kindergarten through second grade. School leaders said the event ensures all students feel included in holiday celebrations.

"Some may not get a lot for Christmas, and now, everyone gets a little something and gets some holiday cheer and makes school a great place to come," Rensselaer City School District Superintendent Joseph Kardash said.

Yankee Trails has run the program for more than a decade. This was the second year in a row that they visited Van Rensselaer Elementary School.