Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Carr. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Modeled on similar outreach efforts across the country, Spartanburg Shares opened its doors to the community on October 13, 2012. In October 2011, an organizational board began meeting to establish a working model and enlist community stakeholders. Since then, several critical local agencies and organizations have pledged their support. The closet is located in space generously donated by the Episcopal Church of the Advent. The Advent Outreach Center is located at 137 S. Dean Street in downtown Spartanburg. Our loan closet is the only one of its kind in the Upstate and in South Carolina, and one of three in both Carolinas.
Our mission is to lend durable medical equipment, free of charge, to any resident of Spartanburg County for up to 90 days.
Our inventory is comprised of gently-used donated equipment for the express purpose of “paying it forward.” There is no income threshold or insurance requirement associated with our equipment loans, just a picture ID proving residence in Spartanburg County. Our nonprofit helps clients with temporary equipment needs, those without the means to purchase equipment and persons without adequate healthcare.
Our organization was started by its founder, Bea Bruce. Ms. Bruce modeled the idea and organization from a similar organization she discovered in North Carolina while attempting to find medical equipment for her now-late husband who had Parkinson’s. Before Spartanburg Shares was launched and opened, it was more difficult to find and access inexpensive medical equipment or borrow medical equipment in Spartanburg County.
Bea’s son, Brian, has recently taken over the operations within the last year after her retirement, with the help of Volunteer Coordinator Evan Carr and a team of frequent volunteers. Brian manages the strategy, planning and organization of our operations while Evan recruits volunteers and donors through flyer distribution, forming partnerships with area schools, churches, colleges and businesses and also serving as a spokesperson and securing media coverage on area television and radio stations, podcasts, blogs and in local and regional newspapers and magazines.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road for our nonprofit. Spartanburg Shares had to suspend normal operations from March 2020 to September 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, a few volunteers and board members met clients with emergency needs. Spartanburg Shares is now back to regular operating hours since September 2021. We were also finally able to host our first annual car show after two other attempts were cancelled in Spring 2020 and then Fall 2021 due to COVID and other conflicts. Unfortunately, due to the weather and lack of availability for other dates (or dates where there were fewer to no car shows happening), we did not have too many attendees or vehicle entries. However, the team of volunteers banded and bonded together and we were all able to give some business to a coffee and latte truck that came for our show and was able to stay the entire time – Java Up from Landrum, SC. The show also gave some exposure to Stisa Talent Agency, Gullah Q Lowcountry BBQ, Cambodian Recipe and Little River Roasting (who donated coffee for the volunteers to enjoy).
Spartanburg Shares has benefited from the help of companies and organizations, including the Walmart Foundation, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Hunters for the Hungry and Doctors’ Care, to name a few. Visit our website for more information on Spartanburg Shares – www.spartanburgshares.org.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Lead Volunteer Coordinator for Spartanburg Shares Medical Loan Closet. In my role, I specialize in volunteer recruitment and management, fundraising event strategy and planning, public relations, marketing and creative communications as well as assisting with grant research and office and IT management.
I am known for creating and building a culture where everyone works together well, enjoys coming and volunteering and gets a chance to shine. I am most proud of what we have accomplished since our turnaround and relaunch in fall 2021 post-pandemic through expanding our volunteer pipeline and increasing our brand awareness. I am also very proud of all our volunteers, both as individuals and as a team.
I have humor and approachability that helps put volunteers, customers and others at ease. I also have a leadership style that allows our volunteers to be themselves, bringing their own personalities and unique insights to work and allowing for increasing growth and confidence.
I also make great coffee, know a lot of the great local spots for walking/hiking and biking, entertainment, coffee, food and drinks and I’m frequently on the radio and TV (especially promoting Shares)! 😉
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Please consider volunteering and/or donating to us (equipment, supplies, money) and help us spread the word by word-of-mouth, email and online on YouTube and social media! If you ever see any media coverage of us online, please share in your emails, texts and on social media and LinkedIn!
Pricing:
- Durable Medical Equipment – free of charge for 90 days with photo proof of Spartanburg County residency (driver’s license or other ID)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spartanburgshares.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/spartanburgshares
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/spartanburgs
Image Credits
Group still/headshot: Donnie Bird
Group action shots: Vickie Witteveen
Shots around our facilities: Evan Carr
Headshot of just me: Asia Rollins
