People are the heart of the story.
Operation ELF is a 100% all-volunteer, non-denominational 501(c)(3) Massachusetts non-profit who operates out of volunteers’ homes. We are a community of compassionate and caring families, friends and co-workers helping our less fortunate neighbors (specifically their children) during the holiday season.
Our Story
The need continues to grow
1999
A small group of friends got together with the intention of helping local children living in at-risk situations. We shopped for and delivered holiday gifts to more than 300 children living in 15 motels from Amesbury to New Bedford.
2000
It was easy to see what a simple and powerful way it was to make an impact. We officially launched Operation ELF the following year and sponsored the wishes of 450 local children who would have otherwise not received holiday gifts.
2025
Awareness grew, as did requests from agency partners to help more children. By 2025, Operation ELF delivered on the wishes of more than 2,000 newborns, children and teens throughout New England.
The Future
The number of families with children living in shelters, hospitals, and other at-risk situations continues to increase. Please join us in our effort to help spread some hope and joy during the holidays.
Board Officers
Sarah Blumenstock – Co-Founder & Treasurer
Sarah Blumenstock is a Co-Founder of Operation E.L.F. and has been actively dedicated to its mission since 1999. In her daily life, she runs a private preschool in the greater Boston area, balancing her professional passion for early childhood education with her commitment to community service. Her dedication to Operation E.L.F. is truly a family affair: their son grew up volunteering with the organization alongside Kris and her and now serves as an adult leader guiding his own team of volunteers. Through her decades of service, Sarah embodies the spirit of community action and volunteer leadership that drives Operation ELF forward.
Kris Girrell – Co-Founder & Secretary
Kris Girrell is a co-founder of Operation ELF and has been a leader and volunteer since 1999. Kris is a retired executive leadership coach with a background in both psychology and theology. Nowdays he spends his time writing books on emotional intelligence, relationships and spirituality while mentoring a few other professionals from his field. Of his seven books, the two most recent have won numerous awards, gold medals and 5-star reviews, He lives and writes in Andover, MA, with wife Sarah and is the father of three and grandfather of four.
Tim Spellman – Executive Director
Tim Spellman is a retired data architect and software professional who has been volunteering for Operation ELF for over 15 years. He was invited to serve on the Operation ELF Board in 2018 and was elected as Executive Director in 2021. Tim has worked for Fidelity Investments, The Boston Company, Fresenius Medical Care and is a named Inventor on a US Patent. Tim is passionate about caring for children. He has been married for over 40 years with two adult sons. Tim is active in several men’s organization including a leadership training team. He brings his commitment to successful families to all his volunteer work. “Having fun is more fun than not having fun.”