For the Evans family, the spirit of volunteering is more than a tradition. It is a legacy passed from father to son through a shared commitment to neighbors, community and United Way of Berks County.
For more than two decades, Irv Evans was a familiar presence in United Way’s annual campaign. He served as a Loaned Campaign Specialist (LCS) for 25 years, helping local workplaces connect their employees with the needs of the community and the programs working to meet them. Irv passed away in 2022.
The Evans family’s impact continues to be felt through Irv’s son, Chad. As a retired City of Reading police officer who now works for New Castle Lawn & Landscape, Chad is serving as a first-time LCS. In the role, he works alongside United Way staff and workplace campaign coordinators to plan and support employee campaigns. LCS volunteers make presentations and help donors understand how United Way-supported programs empower youth, strengthen health, build stability and support people in times of crisis.
“I saw how much United Way meant to my dad. Serving as an LCS gives me the chance to honor him while creating my own connections with people and organizations making a difference in Berks County,” shares Chad Evans.
Chad brings a firsthand understanding of those needs. During his years in law enforcement, he encountered people facing domestic abuse, homelessness and hunger, challenges addressed every day by programs and services supported through United Way. Those experiences now give his United Way LCS experience a personal dimension.
As a police officer, I saw how quickly a family can find itself in crisis and how important it is to have trusted resources ready to help. As an LCS, I can share those real-life connections and help others understand what their support makes possible.”
“I had the privilege of working with Irv for all of those years. He first joined us as an LCS in 1991, loaned by Met-Ed, and the experience meant so much to him that after he retired, he came back to volunteer with us every year for the next 24 years,” said Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County. “Irv cared deeply about this community and about United Way. Seeing Chad step into the LCS role all these years later is incredibly special. He is honoring his dad’s legacy while bringing his own experiences, perspective and commitment to serving others.”
As Chad shares United Way’s story and takes on his LCS role, the Evans family’s volunteer spirit continues to help build a stronger Berks County.