Jim Hennigan rings bells with Captain Shakai Drigo of The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center in December 2024. Photo Credit: The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division.

BOSTON (November 26, 2025) – After nearly three decades of ringing bells, rallying volunteers and raising critical funds for neighbors in need, Jim Hennigan of West Roxbury, will be honored with The Salvation Army’s Al MacLeod Outstanding Volunteer Award at the organization’s Annual Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 5.

The award recognizes a longtime volunteer whose compassion, service, and sacrifice inspire others while making a meaningful, lasting impact in the community. Over his nearly 30 years of service, Hennigan’s unwavering commitment has mobilized thousands of volunteers and raised more than $800,000 for The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division—a legacy that embodies this year’s Red Kettle Campaign theme, “Give with JOY.”

“Jim’s dedication to The Salvation Army exemplifies our mission,” said Captain Shakai Drigo of The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center. “Through his involvement with key city organizations and his business, Hennigan Insurance, he has mobilized thousands of residents to volunteer with the Parkway Kettle Club’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.”

Hennigan’s impact extends beyond fundraising. When Roche Bros. in West Roxbury paused Red Kettle operations after the pandemic, Hennigan’s relationships with store managers helped restore the partnership, highlighting The Salvation Army’s role in combating food insecurity and supporting vulnerable families during the holidays.

“Jim deserves recognition not only for his longstanding commitment but also for his faithfulness and willingness to serve unconditionally,” Drigo added. “He organizes volunteers and fills in for Red Kettle shifts, regardless of the cold, warming the hearts of our neighbors as he stands for hours in frigid temperatures.”

As a beloved member of the West Roxbury and Boston community, Hennigan and his family business support thousands of neighbors in need across the city each year. His volunteer network includes business leaders, elected officials, student groups, seniors, the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, the West Roxbury Business and Professional Association (WRBPA), and neighbors from across Boston who answer his call to ring bells, donate time, and give generously.

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His commitment to service extends beyond The Salvation Army to organizations including the YMCA of Greater Boston, the Mary Mulvey Jacobson’s Families in Need, and numerous other local nonprofits. His group of volunteers has also assisted with The Salvation Army’s annual Stuff the Bus event, and in return, Boston Kroc Center leaders volunteer at his community Thanksgiving celebrations and other community events.

“No one passes the Parkway Kettle Club’s Red Kettle without engaging with Jim, signing up to volunteer or contributing generously,” said Drigo. “Helping others is in Jim's blood, and there are few causes he can say no to.”

The Annual Holiday Luncheon serves as The Salvation Army’s Greater Boston Advisory Board's largest fundraising event, highlighting the organization’s mission and critical year-round work in the community.

To volunteer with The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign or learn how to support neighbors in need this holiday season, visit salvationarmyma.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America’s Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.