The Springs Close Foundation, Inc. was established in 1942 by Colonel Elliott White Springs. Colonel Springs was a World War I flying ace and author and succeeded his father, Leroy Springs, as the head of what eventually became Springs Industries. Colonel Springs held a strong belief that his family had an obligation to care for and support the company’s workers, their families and the communities in which they lived. He created the Springs Foundation, Inc. through his personal contributions and estate planning.