A group of entertainers calling themselves the Holiday Express travel throughout the state to bring joy to those who have fallen on hard times. The band plays dozens of events during the holiday season, from the week before Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, and also provides boxes of toys for children. NJToday’s Lauren Wanko files this report.

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Tim McLoone, founder of the Holiday Express and a restaurant owner, came up with the idea 18 years ago when he helped feed the homeless at a holiday event. He thought music was missing and asked some friends to play a set of songs at the next year’s event. The endeavor was successful and now the Holiday Express has more than 1,600 volunteers that work year round to sort and package gift bags for every event at a warehouse in Tinton Falls. This year, the group played at 55 events, including a recent visit to Eva’s Village in Paterson.