Nancy Evans, a retired teacher and principal with 42 years in education, has been honored as El Paso’s ABC-7’s “Do-Gooder” for her outstanding volunteer work and advocacy in the El Paso community.
After retiring in 2012, Nancy joined the Assistance League of El Paso, where she became involved in Operation School Bell, a program that provides a week’s worth of clothing to 2,700 local students every year. Nancy manages the clothing inventory and tracks the distribution. Her work ensures that the program runs efficiently and meets the needs of children from across the community. She finds fulfillment in seeing the gratitude on children’s faces, often recalling how they would light up and ask, “This is all for me?”
In addition to her volunteer work with schoolchildren, Nancy has been a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) for 13 years and is a passionate advocate for retired educators. She played a key role in the passage of Proposition 9, which resulted in the first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired school personnel in Texas in two decades. Her efforts have had a statewide impact, improving financial conditions for thousands of retired educators. Nancy continues to advocate for further improvements and plans to support future COLA legislation.
Currently, Nancy is the Treasurer of the Ysleta Retired School Employees Association and is the Immediate Past President of TRTA District 19 and has served on both the District Presidents Council and the TRTA Board of Directors.
In recognition of her service, the El Paso Community Foundation and Gozo’s Ice Cream presented the Assistance League of El Paso with a $1,000 donation in her honor. While Nancy humbly avoids the spotlight, her dedication and impact are clear.
“I just feel like you have to give because the more you give, the more you get. And so, when I help other people and when I do things for them, then it makes me feel good inside,” she said. “You need to look for things that you can do. Even the small things can give back. And I think all of us have that much time to look for something to give back to our community.”
Nancy Evans exemplifies what it means to serve, educate, and uplift others—well beyond the classroom. Her story is a shining example of how retirement doesn’t mean the end of meaningful work—it can be a new beginning in service to others. Her humility, drive, and dedication make her a true community hero.
