Sally Sullivan has spent her life creating that special Christmas memory for children and families in Indian Harbour Beach – that magical moment when kids actually receive the specific toy at the top of their Santa list.
Now, 33 years after joining the Christmas Outreach Program sponsored by the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department, Sullivan will retire Jan. 11 as administrative assistant to Police Chief David Butler, leaving a legacy of behind-the-scenes effort for the program that she would be too modest to detail, highlighted each year by personally shopping for those exact gifts to create that magic moment.
Sullivan works with Ocean Breeze Elementary School to shop for children – including all siblings — and families who may be in need of assistance.
Sullivan carries that feeling of family for the group to great lengths, sometimes shopping at several stores for the same item and even traveling to Orlando for a hot item wanted by a local child.
She remembers her father, a longtime barber, was a great example, teaching her how to be passionate about helping those in need through a holiday gesture. Now she is passing the outreach program torch to Ocean Breeze Elementary School Resource Officer Jennifer Imperato, who has shopped with Sullivan for the gifts for three years in anticipation of the honor.
“She’s very particular about getting something that the child wanted. When you think of all the lives that it touches, I really want to continue it. Nobody can replace (Sullivan). but I want to do what I can to keep it going,’’ she said. She spends an average of nearly $100 each for gifts often including clothing, shoes, bikes and school supplies. Seniors in need receive gift cards.
Another part of the program transforms Indian Harbour Beach City Hall into a food pantry, at which families pick up their wrapped gifts and are allowed to select a turkey and other food for the holidays.
Last year they provided gifts for 47 children from 23 families and seven seniors. The local community donated $8,927 during 2017 to fund the current year’s gifts and food.
Sullivan declined a large retirement party for fear she would become too emotional to express the farewells her colleagues deserve. She also gets emotional at the thought of leaving the key role in the Outreach program.
“It’s not that I don’t want to let it go for me. It’s that I care that much’’ about the children, she said.
How to help: Cash donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department at 40 Cheyenne Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937. Call Sally Sullivan at 321-773-3030 or email ssullivan@indianharbour.org for details.