Their work is described as the “heartbeat” of the United Way of Berks County’s annual campaign to raise funds to be invested in area human service programs.
They are the members of the agency’s Loaned Campaign Specialist program.
Each year, area businesses loan employees to the United Way for a 13-week assignment. The loaned employees work with the nonprofit, company CEOs and campaign coordinators to plan, manage and facilitate workplace giving campaigns, the United Way said.
The Loaned Campaign Specialists are the face of the United Way — the storytellers — talking with individuals about the impact of United Way funded programs to inspire support.
Along the way they share their personal stories, according to Sheila Tulli, United Way vice president of resource development.
This year’s campaign, which launched in mid-September and ended Nov. 20, included 16 Loaned Campaign Specialists, including 13 from seven area companies and three community volunteers, according to Chris Spanier, vice president marketing/communications for United Way of Berks County.
The Loaned Campaign Specialists for 2025:
• Liza Singson, Yaniret Medrano — Alcon Research• Chad Wall — Brentwood Industries• Kris Bortz, Meghan Henke, Danielle Kelly, Izzy Soler — Carpenter Technology Corp.• Saundra Caldwell, Davina Seifrit — East Penn Manufacturing Co.•Ambur Bernhard, Rachael Olson — Penske Transportation Solutions• Yovonny Santana — Reading Hospital• Brandon Epting — UGI Energy Services• Mike Reese, Sandi Schlegel, Heneris Oliveras — Community Volunteer LCSs
“Our Loaned Campaign Specialists and the sponsoring companies are the heart of the campaign. Their dedication goes far beyond raising dollars; they lift up lives and bring hope to neighbors who need it most. We are deeply grateful for their compassion and commitment.” United Way President Tammy White said in a statement.
The Assignment
The campaign specialists’ work starts in August with a three-week training program centered on public speaking (including a session with Dale Carnegie Training), project management, team building and communication skills, according to Spanier. Additionally, the group learned about community needs by visiting and volunteering at area nonprofits.
Tulli said the Loaned Campaign Specialists “were strangers when they come to us that first Monday,” but by the end of that first week, they had formed a bond.
Part of the reason they bonded so quickly, she said, is because of the experiences the United Way provides that first week — including an overview of United Way, team building, then out to the community.
“They are volunteering, seeing the benefit of the programs because they are going out to them. They are vulnerable in those moments,” Tulli said, adding that they gain a perspective of the work they are about to do by being out in the community.
She added that every year, she feels energized by the incoming Loaned Campaign Specialists and their “willingness to speak from their hearts and share personal aspects of their lives.”
Tulli and her team are responsible for making sure members of the group are prepared, feel supported and have what they need.
At the end of training, each campaign specialist receives a portfolio of about 20 accounts — companies they will visit over the course of the campaign.
Part of the initial training, Tulli said, is spending time talking with the campaign specialists about their “why.”
“You can tell people all the stats you want, but what makes for a really meaningful presentation, is when they understand why they are doing it — putting their hearts on the line,” she said.
Alcon designated two employees as Loaned Campaign Specialists this year — Liza Singson and Yaniret Medrano. Singson said the experience has opened her eyes to the range of community needs.
“Serving as an LCS motivates me to continue helping others and to be part of a movement making a difference,” Singson said in a statement.
“We’ve seen how every contribution makes a difference and that we can change lives, together,” Medrano added.
Support From Companies
Tulli said it’s a big commitment for a company to give up an employee for 13 weeks, but getting businesses on board isn’t a difficult task. She said that once the campaign is completed, the employees go back to their companies inspired to communicate and with more confidence in themselves.
“We see it as a talent development opportunity, and we are proud to invest in both our employees and the community,” Alan Carl, Sinking Spring Alcon general manager, said in a statement.
Angel and Scott Helms, this year’s United Way campaign co-chairs, say the Loaned Campaign Specialists “bring energy, compassion and a personal touch, helping United Way connect with donors and volunteers to build a stronger, more united community.”
At Thursday’s Victory Celebration to mark the end of the campaign, the 2025 Loaned Campaign Specialists had one last presentation before their assignments end. They were invited onto the stage to help the United Way announce the final fundraising amount — $11,057,115 — surpassing the goal of $10.75 million.
Source: Berkshire mont