Beverly Bradley (left) and 2004-2005 International
President Nicôl Lea link arms.

Beverly Bradley
Quota International of Bethlehem, PA

When Beverly Bradley, a retired schoolteacher, heard about Cops-N-Kids two years ago, she immediately knew that working with the program was her "destiny." Cops-N-Kids is a fast-growing, national reading initiative in which police officers positively connect with the communities they serve by delivering books to children in Grades K-8. Beverly saw the program as fulfilling a mission to which she has devoted much of her life: helping children gain a sense of self worth. Cops-N-Kids vision of improving literacy and community with the help of the local police department went well beyond her dreams.

Beverly, who exudes a kind of low-key albeit contagious enthusiasm, always seems surprised when the people she asks for help agree to support her plans. Yet, everyone who listens to Beverly speak about Cops-N-Kids says the same thing: "It's impossible to say 'No' to Beverly!" As a result of Beverly's engaging appeal and organizational efforts, support for QI of Bethlehem's contribution to the program came from many sources. Beverly attributes the program's success to community cooperation and commitment:

"This has been accomplished as a result of a cooperative effort of virtually every segment of our community—teachers, retired teachers, administrators, local businesses and organizations, police officers, elementary students, middle school and high school students, college students and community volunteers."

Under Beverly's direction, over $80,000 was raised for the program, and QI of Bethlehem's Cops-N-Kids organizers gathered and distributed over 40,000 books to police substations, schools, food banks, and other areas where books for pre- through middle-school aged children are needed the most.

Beverly has been publicly recognized for her work with Cops-N-Kids and has received the following awards: Friends of Education Award, Northampton County Council of Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association; Citation of Commendation, Pennsylvania State; Certificate of Recognition, City of Bethlehem; and the 2005 Quota Cares Month Award.

Beverly, a business educator of 30 years, retired from the Southern Lehigh District in 2001 and became a member of Quota International in 2003. Today, Beverly teaches at Lehigh Carbon Community College. Beverly also serves as vice-president of the Lehigh County, Pennsylvania State Education Association of Retired Teachers and is on the board of directors of the Executive Service Corps of the Lehigh Valley.

QI of Bethlehem is both thankful and proud to nominate Beverly Bradley as its 2005 Volunteer of the Year!

To return to the 2005 Volunteers of the Year main page, click here.