Santa Has Some Friends in Franklin

Above, the late Robert Sullivan and wife Elaine, cofounders of the Santa Foundation, and a friend from the North Pole.
Which came first, the address or the charity? You see, Franklin’s home-grown holiday charity, the Santa Foundation, is headquartered at number one Joy Street.

In truth, the address probably came first since it is the office location for Sullivan Associates, an accounting firm, and it was the late Robert Sullivan who, more than 30 years ago, launched an informal effort to make sure no child in need went without Christmas presents.

Sullivan, born in Hartford, CT on 1948, founded Sullivan Associates after serving in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

In the late 1980s, Sullivan and his wife Elaine, launched the Santa Foundation,

Son in law Richard Timmons of Franklin continues to run Sullivan Associates and has taken up the leadership of the Santa Foundation as well. Sullivan Associates continues to fund operating expenses. Timmons, and a small army of volunteers and donors, make the whole thing work.

For board member Jan Prentice, and for other volunteers, Santa Foundation is practically a full-time occupation for the last months of the year. In part that is because the foundation now does more than just Christmas presents and has extended its reach to several neighboring towns, as well.

Since 2004, Santa Foundation has operated year-round, to better support people in need. In 2006, Santa Foundation was formally incorporated at a 501 (c) 3 charity.

When critical needs are identified, Santa Foundation has even provided assistance with rent and mortgage payments.

In addition to gifts and support from the local area donors, these days, Santa Foundation also takes advantage of the Amazon Smile initiative. Amazon shoppers have the option of designating the Santa foundation for assistance. All purchases they make on Amazon, 0.5% of the total, will go towards the Santa Foundation. [All you have to do is click the link, search Santa Foundation Franklin and select us as your charity and Amazon will donate that 0.5% back to the Santa Foundation!]

Those wishing to support the work of the foundation can also purchase items from the Foundation’s WishList on Amazon.

Much more information about the Foundation and how to help can be found at www.sfjoy.com