Funding youth programs

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Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica organizes summer camp and afterschool programs for children, with extra attention given to those from underprivileged families.

James O’Connell Insurance is a small agency with only two employees, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of big things. The agency has worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica since 1997, building fundraisers to help provide children with access to summer camp and afterschool programs.

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Agency Principal James O’Connell enjoys the outdoors with Boys & Girls Club members Alya, Alyssa, Ella and Elliana.

Decades of donations

As the agency principal, James O’Connell has always thought it important to give back to the community. He was first introduced to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica when attending a function, which was the first time he volunteered to help them out. He saw that they were drawing in some money with the fundraisers they had, but he knew that he could help them produce more.

O’Connell hit the ground running with golf tournaments and raffles that cranked up the amount of money these fundraisers were able to generate. When he took over as golf committee chairman in 2000, the tournaments were bringing in around $3,000. Comparatively, the latest golf tournament accumulated more than $60,000, the bulk of which was used to ensure underprivileged children were able to attend the organization’s summer camp and afterschool programs.

“My committee works very hard to make this the largest fundraiser for the club. I try to set our goal each year to be a little more than the year before.”

—James O’Connell, agency principal of James O’Connell Insurance

 

“My committee works very hard to make this the largest fundraiser for the club,” said Agency Principal James O’Connell. “I try to set our goal each year to be a little more than the year before.” James O’Connell Insurance has continued to contribute at least 25 hours each year to the Boys & Girls Club for decades. Since O’Connell became chairman, they have raised over $800,000 that was used on financial assistance for youths in need.

 

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James O’Connell helps Aviel and Sophia learn how to play air hockey at one of the tables provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica.

Robust programs for children

James O’Connell Insurance has dedicated their efforts to helping children because they know how much a quality childcare program can make a difference in their lives. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica aims to provide all the elements necessary for a program of this nature, balancing physical activities, social recreation, emotional development, educational opportunities and more. These goals are foundational to the involvement of James O’Connell Insurance. “I have been in business since 1982, and I’ve always believed that we should give back to our community,” said O’Connell.

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Agency principal James O’Connell supervises in the computer room, while Charlott, Leah, Adelyn and Ava learn about online safety.

“I have been in business since 1982, and I’ve always believed that we should give back to our community.”

—James O’Connell, agency principal of James O’Connell Insurance

 

The 2022 Make More Happen Award would include a donation of $5,000 from Liberty Mutual and Safeco on behalf of James O’Connell Insurance. This would greatly help to fund the all-day summer camp that runs for eight weeks each year, including the hiring and training of new staff, so that the organization can continue offering a variety of age-appropriate activities that entertain, challenge, inspire and educate children.

Help James O’Connell Insurance win $5,000 for Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica by cheering them on with a vote!

If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.

558 Votes
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Casie Bowers
6 months ago

Love this

jackie
7 months ago

voted

Ben
7 months ago

voted

Jeni
7 months ago

Voted

christina damico
7 months ago

We love the Boys and Girls club of Greater Billerica!

Tricia
7 months ago

Pre Pandemic: “thank GOD for the Boys and Girls club, I don’t know what working parents would do without the Boys and Gitl club!”
During Pandemic: OMG, I only got through this because of the Boys and Girls Club.

Kathy Barrett Dick
7 months ago

Good luck!!

Stephanie
7 months ago

Such a wonderful organization!

Rick Shannon
7 months ago

HGreat example of giving back and helping the next generation to succeed.

Shari Shimko
8 months ago

I was involved with the Boys and Girls Club for years. I makes a difference for the kids, way to go James!

Lori Logan
8 months ago

I support any program that helps youths succeed.

Lisa Norton
8 months ago

Good luck helping the kids!

Jana Crowder
8 months ago

Keep up the great work!

Sharon Ferris
8 months ago

Billerica Boys and Girls Club is an incredible part of Billerica. We won’t post what years I was a member of their swim team.

Mary K Chesebro
8 months ago

Thank you for all you do!

Cindy Payne
8 months ago

Thank you James!!

Barb
8 months ago

Thanks for supporting the Boys and Girls Club

Mike Gallaugher
8 months ago

Keep up the great work, James. The Boys & Girls Club are an amazing organization!

Marcia Keating
8 months ago

My grandchildren enjoyed the programs.

Christine
8 months ago

Keep up the great work!

elisabeth carpenter
8 months ago

Vote!

Liz Edwards
8 months ago

Vote!

Holly Clancy
8 months ago

Voted!

Sara Leonard
8 months ago

Voted!

Janet Gionta
8 months ago

We all need to be reaching out for our communities. Thank you for all your good work

Elaine Keough
8 months ago

thank you, James O’Connell Insurance!

Garland THOMPSON
8 months ago

Vote!!

dan thompson
8 months ago

vote

Denise Weaver - Weaver & Associates Ins.
8 months ago

We love the B&G Clubs! Wonderful to hear your story!

renee
8 months ago

vote

Bob
8 months ago

Great work and best of luck –

Roy
8 months ago

Voted

Wanda
8 months ago

It is such a good feeling to see small businesses give back to their communities!

Corey Powderly
8 months ago

Great Work!!!!

Hans
8 months ago

This is wonderful!

Edie Crow
8 months ago

As a small agency myself, I know how powerful they can be! Great work!!!!

Max
8 months ago

Almost there!

Jamie
8 months ago

The best!!

Jeff Van Matre
8 months ago

Great Job James!!

Scottie
8 months ago

Best of Luck!

Jackie
8 months ago

LEt’s get this to 500! so close!

Tami
8 months ago

VOTE

Angie VanMatre
8 months ago

Amazing!

Heather Barnard
8 months ago

Inspiring! You get my vote!! Thank you for all you’re doing!

Ryan
8 months ago

Lets get to 500!

Bobby Ackroyd
8 months ago

Thank you for your years of dedication to the Club Jim!

Katie
8 months ago

Sending our support from PA. Good luck!

Danielle
8 months ago

Great work!

Kelly May
8 months ago

Vote!!

KELLY MAY
8 months ago

VOTE!

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