The current warm temperatures and blooming flowers might make Christmas feel far away, but there’s a place where its spirit lives all year round in Geauga County.
The current warm temperatures and blooming flowers might make Christmas feel far away, but there’s a place where its spirit lives all year round in Geauga County.
While Santa’s main headquarters are at the North Pole, his “summer home” is right here in Middlefield.
Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow, 15400 Bundysburg Road, is hosting its first-ever open house June 10 for past volunteers, donors, as well as those wanting to learn more about the sprawling 55-wooded-acre and 22-structure magical North Pole experience dedicated to children battling illnesses and their families.
“It’s one of a kind in the country,” Founder Bill Dieterle said of the nonprofit organization, which was formed in 1981. “The North Pole Village is for children who are critically ill, terminally ill. We are here to create memories. We celebrate Christmas every day of the year. Children travel to us from every children’s hospital in Ohio plus Pittsburgh.”
Those invited to the open house include members of charitable civic groups such as Lions Clubs International, local Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Dieterle said.
“This (open house) is not open to anyone or everyone,” Dieterle said. “You must come through these organizations. We encourage these companies and civic groups to visit. We invite you to come see what you helped create. Come see why families don’t want to leave.”
Santa’s Hideaway Hollow is 100% volunteer-driven, Dieterle said.
“We are a nonprofit, but unlike so many, we have no salaries, no rewards to the many volunteers,” he said.
Santa arrives on the North Pole firetrucks, which are actual firetrucks driven by firemen who volunteer their time when not on duty at their stations, Dieterle said, adding volunteer elves are students from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School and Kenston, Chagrin Falls, Solon and Mayfield high schools.
Much like when children see Santa Claus during the holiday season, when they visit Santa’s Hideaway Hollow, they are encouraged to ask for what they want, he said.
Born in Chicago, Dieterle originally thought he would become a priest and spent five years in a Catholic seminary. He earned a football scholarship to play at St. Procopius College and graduated with an English degree.
He has since dedicated his life to helping children battling illnesses, along with their families, by offering Christmas joy no matter the season.
When he gets the call, he calls Santa at the North Pole and together, they make sure that child gets to see Santa, Dieterle said, adding Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow does not hold fundraisers or make big pleas for financial help, but instead relies on the kindness of organizations and individuals.
To participate in the open house, or for more information, call Bill Dieterle at 440-632-5000 to make a reservation.
