Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Carr.
Hi Evan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got started working in nonprofits through serving on various boards and committees while working as a Marketing Assistant for Dantherm Cooling for four-and-a-half years, including for Spartanburg Young Professionals, One Million Cups with the Kauffman Foundation, the South Carolina Association of Volunteer Administration (SCAVA), and Pique (an annual young professionals’ networking event from Ten at the Top in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC). Those experiences along with some other people led me to my current role as Volunteer Coordinator with Spartanburg Shares, where I’ve served for over six years now. Spartanburg Shares is a medical loan closet nonprofit lending durable medical equipment to Spartanburg County residents for 90 days and only requiring proof of insurance to borrow. This is especially beneficial if someone lacks or has lesser insurance/income or only needs equipment for temporary purposes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
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 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 – Tuesdays 9am-1pm, Thursdays 2pm-6pm and first and third Saturdays from 10am-1pm. 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).
Also, beginning in 2024, the Uptown Sertoma Club asked us to be a beneficiary of their annual Auction for a Cause event at Indigo Hall in Downtown Spartanburg. Over two years we have raised over $13,000 from this event alone! Our organization also volunteered for the first time last year at the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX and happening at the Carolina Country Club in Roebuck (in Spartanburg County). It was a fun experience and helped us gain more brand awareness! I even met Andy Buckley from “The Office” and got to see Larry the Cable Guy play.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
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. In 2024 I even redesigned our logo (similar but with just a modern update). 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 you can sometimes find me on the radio and TV (especially promoting Shares)! 😉
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Medical equipment that can be borrowed from Spartanburg Shares includes:
Arm platforms, bed pans, bed support rails (bed canes), bed trays, bedside commodes, bedside tables, various braces, canes (regular, quad and hurry), cast boots, crutches (aluminum and forearm), dressing sticks, various exercisers (including pedal exercisers), foot baths (occasionally), gait belts, reachers/grabbers, patient lifts with slings, shoe horns, handheld shower hoses, shower seats (with or without backs), transfer sliding boards, sock aids, elevated toilet seats, toilet support rails, travel transport wheelchairs, tub support rails, tub transfer benches, weights, regular wheelchairs and walkers (folding, hemi, winnie and rollator).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spartanburgshares.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spartanburgshares
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spartanburg-shares
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/spartanburgs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cevancarr
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@ecmedia5
