The
Holiday season has been a joyous time of year for us in
the insurance industry. We spend time with our family and
friends, we go to holiday dinners and holiday parties with
our co-workers, clients and industry partners. For many
metro area agents it has become something else. It has become
an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of needy
strangers in our community on an anonymous base. Yes Virginia,
there is a “Santa Clause” and the spirit of
joy and giving lies in over 250 people who are related in
some way to the insurance industry.
Jocelyn’s Operation Holiday Spirit started nine years
ago in the offices of CBS Coverage Group. Based on the United
States Post Office’s Operation Santa, it seeks to
answer the hopes and prayers of economically underprivileged
children. Jocelyn’s Operation Holiday Spirit was named
for a CSR who worked in the insurance industry and lost
her battle with cancer. Her love for children and the holiday
spirit lives on through this organization and the hundreds
of secret Santa’s who participate.
In 2007, over 400 “Dear Santa” letters were
answered with the purchase of toys, books, games, warm clothing
and shoes from students at an elementary school in Queens
where 50% of the student population are foster children.
In addition the wishes of eighteen children with their moms
were answered in their temporary residence at a battered
women’s shelter. Due to the generosity of the people
who attend our September Golf Outing, this year we were
able to provide 422 gift bags which contained hats, gloves,
scarves, socks, toys, school supplies and a Christmas card
from Santa to the students at an elementary School in Hempstead
. If additional money is available we also try to provide
books, pencil sharpeners, crayons and other school supplies
to the teachers at those schools. In 2007 a well needed
Xerox machine was purchased for the Queens elementary school
with another one donated, by the vendor, for the teachers
to utilize.
This is a grass roots 501(C3) charity where 100% of the
money, gifts, and clothing go to those in need. The children
who receive the gift packages are not the only ones who
feel the holiday spirit, the hundred of anonymous gift givers
and their families take what they do very personally. The
essence of the program is one on one between the child writing
the letter and the individual granting the wish. You don’t
just write a check - you give part of yourself.
Some of the industry participates over the years come from
B&G Group, Inc, B&B coverage LTD, CBS coverage Group,
Inc, CMS, LLC, The Badge Agency, Double Eagle Agency, Sterling
and Sterling, JLS, CHUBB Group, Garber Atlas Fries &
Associates, Inc. Merchants Insurance, The Hartford, Utica
Mutual, Andover Insurance, New York Central Mutual, AIG,
Atlantic Mutual, Tower Group, Hanover Insurance, NIF Group,
Compass Benefit Planning, Hometown Agency, Kemper Auto and
Home, New Bridge Coverage and Mackoul Group. Participation
has also come from industry relationships – Alexander
Wall Corp, Maxon Restorations, EMS Restoration, Burton &
Company, Signature Bank, Quinn Family Foundation, Bethpage
Federal Credit Union, Gutterman’s Funeral Home, and
Wall & Williams.
The goal of insurance is to provide financial stability
to our clients who may experience a damaging unforeseen
event or an unexpected financial loss. Working in the industry
provides us all with the ability to earn a good living.
By providing this service to our community, Jocelyn’s
tries to provide for some of the forgotten members of the
community and to share our industry’s good fortune.
In answering the letters the spirit of giving back to those
less fortunate shows that there is “hope for their
future”. It is the most important gift we can give.
Additional information about “Jocelyn’s Operation
Holiday Spirit” can be found on our website, www.jocelyns.org.
