Retired Officer Joins United Way Campaign in Reading
Chad Evans is serving as a loaned campaign specialist for the United Way of Berks County's latest fundraising drive.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Retired Reading Police Department officer Chad Evans is working with local businesses to support the United Way of Berks County annual fundraising campaign. He is one of 16 specialists assigned to assist the organization during its 12-week effort.
Why it matters
Evans participates to bolster community support services and continue the long-standing volunteer legacy of his late father, Irv Evans. The initiative relies on professional support to meet an ambitious community fundraising target.
The United Way of Berks County has set a goal of $10.5 million for its current annual drive, following a 2022 campaign that raised more than $11 million. A team of 16 loaned campaign specialists is working throughout the 12-week period.
The players
Chad Evans
He is a retired Reading Police Department officer who now serves as a loaned campaign specialist for the United Way.
United Way of Berks County
This is a local organization that coordinates annual fundraising campaigns to support various community services.
New Castle Lawn & Landscape
This company supports the local United Way effort by paying the salary of Chad Evans during his time as a campaign specialist.
Irv Evans
He was a dedicated volunteer for the United Way for 25 years before his death in 2022.
The details
Specialists like Evans undergo three weeks of preparation involving public speaking instruction, agency visits, and team-building exercises. While Evans works on the campaign, New Castle Lawn & Landscape continues to pay his salary.
Timeline
1991: Irv Evans began volunteering for United Way campaigns.
2015: Chad Evans retired from the Reading Police Department after 29 years.
2022: Irv Evans died at the age of 81.
12-week campaign: Duration of the current assignment for specialists.
Market Landscape
This effort mirrors the structural approach of past charitable initiatives in the region, including the 2022 United Way of Berks County campaign. The reliance on corporate-sponsored personnel remains a consistent strategy for maintaining community fundraising momentum.
Local business employees can expect increased outreach regarding donation opportunities during this 12-week period. Residents may see campaign specialists visiting workplaces to encourage financial support for community services.
The takeaway
Engaging retired professionals as loaned specialists allows organizations to leverage deep community ties for fundraising success. Individuals interested in local volunteering can follow the structured training models established by regional agencies to maximize their impact.
Further reading
Learn more about local giving initiatives in our Reading Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reading Eagle.
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