21 organizations were chosen through an employee poll

The Dowd Insurance Agencies, LLC,  this year marked its 125th anniversary with a total of $15,000 in donations to 21 local charities.

“We can think of no better way to mark the milestone of our 125th anniversary than to pay it forward to some of the incredible organizations near and dear to our employees’ hearts,” said John E. Dowd Jr., president and CEO of The Dowd Agencies. “We do not take our long legacy for granted, and we are honored and proud to have earned the trust of those in the communities we serve.”

Employees participated in a poll to determine the beneficiaries of this special charitable contribution campaign. In 2023, The Dowd Agencies donated to:

  • American Cancer Society, improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.
  • ASPCA, the leading voice in animal welfare.
  • The Care Center in Holyoke, which brings the power of education, arts and culture to youth and their families.
  • Community Music School of Springfield, which provides arts education to local students.
  • Empty Arms Bereavement Support in Florence, which supports individuals and whose babies have died through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death or termination for medical reasons.
  • Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which feeds neighbors in need and leads the community to end hunger.
  • Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, helping girls discover who they are and how they can make the future a brighter place.
  • Homework House, Inc., in Holyoke, which provides free tutoring and mentoring for children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which accelerates life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications.
  • Law Enforcement Ride to Remember, which spotlights police officers, firefighters and all first responders answering calls across the western Massachusetts area.
  • Lighthouse Holyoke, a collaborative learning environment structured around respect and compassion for students in grades 6–12.
  • Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee, which is a food security resource for anyone in need.
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
  • MIFA Victory Theatre Restoration Project in Holyoke, which aims to restore and return the theatre to its role as a major, live, regional theatre.
  • Neighbors Helping Neighbors in South Hadley, a community-driven food pantry dedicated to combating hunger and promoting food security.
  • One Call Away Foundation in Agawam, which supports veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Project HOPE Pantry in Chicopee, which serves food to families twice per month, serving more than 500 people each month.
  • Shriners Children’s New England, providing hope and healing to children in Massachusetts and beyond.
  • Therapeutic Equestrian Center, in Holyoke, which provides horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities.
  • Town of Palmer Domestic Violence Task Force, which promotes education and awareness in the community while empowering, educating and providing resources to those affected by domestic violence and/or intimate partner violence.
  • Vinfen in Cambridge, providing services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries and behavioral health challenges.
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