When award-winning Mapleton journalist Christy Hardman met long-time Salem bus driver and Santa’s helper Phil Porter, she knew instantly that his story had to be told.

With “Against the Giant,” to her publishing credit, Hardman next wove Porter’s true, heart-felt experiences into a novelized version of what Christmas is, with the kindness of Santa firmly tucked under the wing of Jesus’ teachings to care for people from all walks of life.

The finished story is presented between the covers of the new Christmas treasure titled “Santa’s Secret.”

Hardman is a mother of five, and Porter, who’s worked a variety of jobs including radio announcer, policeman, custodian and fast food manager, still lives in Salem with his wife, Denise, and the youngest of their five children, Andrew.

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