PORT ANGELES – Betsy had never met Juli and Steve, but together they cooked up a kind of Christmas caper.

It started at the Lincoln Street Safeway, the second the store’s doors opened at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Betsy Fulwider, a customer service specialist at Gottschalks, rendezvoused with Steve Porter of Port Townsend and Juli Bolson of Blyn, to pick up two roast turkeys plus trimmings.

Then – along with about $400 worth of presents – the trio traveled to the Rose House, Healthy Families of Clallam County’s shelter for women and children.

Porter had transformed himself into Santa Claus en route.

Fulwider wore reindeer antlers on her head and a mischievous smile on her face.

Bolson served as Santa’s helper, with a bell pendant that turned this into a jingle-jangle morning.

Santa Porter knocked on the Rose House door – locked to protect residents who’ve fled abusive partners. The house, which has rooms for six families, is often full, said Healthy Families executive director Becca Korby.

Two of the five women living in the house answered, and though stunned at the sight of three strangers, they knew exactly what to say.

“Merry Christmas,” the women exclaimed, opening the door wide.