FARMINGTON—It was 36 years ago that Frank and Barbara Frodsham started Family Community Christmas. The Frodshams would drive down to Salt Lake City and pick up the homeless and bring them back to their horse farm where they provided them with warm hats, clothes and toys for the little ones. 

Although the Frodshams are no longer involved, their tradition has been carried on and last week, the annual event held at the Avalanche Soccer Complex served 700 children. 

“It started out with 17 people,” said Co-chair Scott Ellenson. “This year we’re helping 650 plus kids and 270 families. It’s grown a little bit.”

Ellenson said he didn’t want it to end. “In 2018 we formed a board of three, me, Ryan Marriott and JC Bolton. It’s an actual charity now we’re a 501(3c).”

The event is close to his heart, said Ellenson. “This will be the 15th year that I’ve been a part of it. I volunteered with my daughters and I fell in love with it.”

 Each family is matched with a host volunteer, he said. “They escort them through and get to know the family.”

Everyone gets a blanket and everything is free, Ellenson said. “They can shop for books, hats, socks and we give them hygiene kits. Shampoos, etc. are super expensive for someone who is struggling.”

Kids could sit on Santa’s lap or take a ride on a pony. “Every kid gets one new toy that’s wrapped and their parents too,” he said. “It’s not just the individual child who is in need. We also invite their siblings because there’s the potential that the other kids are in need too.”

There are 700 children who are homeless in Davis County, said Ellenson. “They're living in a garage or car. It’s hard to imagine.”

Davis School District family advocates worked with the Davis Education Foundation to identify those children most in need, said Ellenson. “They nominated 139 families and community members, refugee organizations and food pantries nominated the others.” 

Lakeview Hospital CEO Troy Wood has been involved with Community Christmas for five years. “It was fate,” said Wood. “Scott and I didn’t even know each other but somehow I got a hold of his number. I felt like we should contribute as a hospital. I asked him how we could help out.”

They didn’t have the money for a building, he said. “We helped with that and I was hooked.”

Hospital employees put together clothes, toys and other items, said Wood. “We gave 600 employees the opportunity to participate to celebrate the season. From those of us who don’t need it, to those who do.”

Everyone is frail and fragile, he said. “We never know when we might be the recipient. You never know who's going to have that one year. Look around you can’t tell who is a volunteer or a recipient. 

Last year a guest was struggling and didn’t have a job, said Ellenson. “This year they are a volunteer.”

People donated through a registry that the organization has set up, he said. “It’s on Target or Amazon and they can buy something and it gets shipped to our homes then they’re sorted, wrapped and labeled. It gives them a little something under the tree.”

Shalee Bolton receives all of the packages at her home. She has a special connection with the Frodsham Family Christmas because that’s where she met her husband.

“We both worked on the Frodsham farm in high school,” Bolton said. “I was serving soup and he was helping with the horses. He came up and stuck his finger in the soup. I thought that was disgusting but ever since we’ve been in love.”

Bolton said she’s seen a lot of little miracles volunteering. “We’ll count the gifts and there’s not enough, then the Amazon guy comes by with more that we weren’t expecting and somehow we always have enough.”

“We love it,” said one guest. “We appreciate it since we just moved to Utah from California. This is our first year. It’s been great the love and help they give us.”

“It’s a beautiful experience,” said Ellenson. “It’s a blessing for our volunteers as much as our guests.”