Dick Timmons, of the Santa Foundation, felt he kept an important promise last month, following a successful celebration and fundraiser for the 501 c3 organization that has served over 30,000 local families with gifts, toys, clothing and support since it began in 1985.

“When I looked out over the sold-out 40th Anniversary Gala, I knew there would be one big man looking down with a smile on his face … as Bob Sullivan lay in his bed knowing he would be leaving us soon, surrounded by his loving wife Elaine and family, he looked at me and whispered, ‘Please keep the Santa Foundation going!’

“It was in 2019, followed by COVID that not only shook the Santa Foundation, but the country. We survived but needed to relocate and get some additional help! We have now relocated and added key people like Joe & Pam Formosa, Karla Boudreau and Cindy and Patrick Timmons playing larger rolls! We are now in a much better place, looking forward to many more years of helping local families in the over 20 communities we serve,” said Timmons.

Board member Karla Boudreau kicked off festivities, thanking “the Elks, our entertainers (Ken Barney and Mirror’s Edge), florists (Flower’s and More, Luna’s Flower Shop, Black Opal Florist and Designs by Lorraine), and bakers (Muffin House, Twist Bakery, and Wright’s Dairy Farm) for their contributions” to the evening, an “incredible team of volunteers,” and those in the community who partner with the foundation to bring the magic of Christmas to “countless deserving children and their families.” 

The event included a beautiful Christmas tree door prize with handcrafted ornaments and Meme’s stockings, handcrafted ornaments for attendees, and a wide range of raffles donated by various businesses and organizations. 

Later, Pat Timmons, whose grandfather was Robert Sullivan, gave a toast celebrating how the Santa Foundation’s “hard work always transforms into something beautiful: joy.”

Later this month, the Santa Foundation will place Giving Trees at various locations around town. Tags on the trees represent the wishes of a member of a family in need, and those with generous hearts are encouraged to take a tag and fulfill a wish to help neighbors enduring tough times feel the joy and comfort of the holiday season. Giving Trees will be located at:

• Advanced Auto, 45 Pulaski Blvd. Bellingham

• Grove Street Auto, 79 Grove Street, Franklin

• James Breakfast & More, 850 Franklin St., Wrentham

• King Street Cafe, 390 King St., Franklin

• Middlesex Bank, 1000 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin

• Norfolk Credit Union, 194 Main St., Norfolk

• Postal Center, 279 E Central Street, Franklin

• Postal Center, 9 Medway Rd., Ste. C, Milford

• Postal Center, 14 Milliston Rd., Millis

• Salon Elan, Inc., 9 Summer St., Ste. 102, Franklin

• Franklin Tile, 168 Grove St., Franklin •

• Mak’s Roast Beef & Breakfast, 451 W. Central St., Franklin 

In addition to the Giving Tree locations, although no trees are put up at the following locations, these community partners graciously collect and deliver gifts for The Santa Foundation:

• Franklin Police Department, 911 Panther Way, Franklin

• Medway Police Department, 315 Village St., Franklin 

• Norfolk Fire Department, 117 Main St, Norfolk

• Wrentham Police/Fire Department, 89/99 South St., Wrentham

• Douglas Police Department, 29 Depot St., Douglas

• Norfolk Sheriff’s Department, 200 West St., Dedham

For more information on the Santa Foundation, visit www.sfjoy.org.