Seven years ago, Monica Hartland Blaisdell and John Blaisdell decided to give real meaning to Christmas by adopting the Mission of Yahweh homeless shelter for women and children for the holiday. Since that time, the Christmas day happening has grown into a snow day spectacular with support from numerous friends.
This Christmas Day, more than 150 volunteers and guests treated residents of the modest shelter to a snow-covered campus highlighted by a 15-foot snow slide. Santa and his elves delivered wrapped gifts for all, provided breakfast treats and presented beautifully-wrapped gifts to those in need.
Big daddy Charlie Hartland, father of 14 including Monica, and most of his children (all grown) contributed to the party with Brian Hartland portraying Santa and Liz Hartland taking the role of Mrs. Claus. The Hartland clan on hand included Rebekah, Amber, Charlie, Daniel, Hannah Hartland McNair and Cal McNair, and Joanna Hartland Marks and Brad Marks.
Joining in the merriment that included holiday headdresses like reindeer horns and candy canes, jingle bell necklaces and Santa hats were Sam and David Kennedy, Lili and Hans Kirchner, Warner Roberts, Angie Roberts, Kay Kay Blaisdell, Megan Blaisdell, Julie Pitts, Karen and Lee Partridge, Matt Hibbitts, Richard Hill, Joyce Pankonian, and Tonya Frye.
Santa Claus and his troops arrive at Mission of Yahweh for a Christmas Day party at the homeless shelter for women and children.
