Hollister
– One could argue volunteer Barbara Scott is one of the many
trusses that hold up the Hollister Downtown Association.
Hollister – One could argue volunteer Barbara Scott is one of the many trusses that hold up the Hollister Downtown Association.
Then again, HDA Administrative Assistant Sharlene Van Rooy admits that the 65-year-old does more than just support the organization.
“We couldn’t live without her,” Van Rooy said.
After years of managing a wholesale company that sells floor and roof trusses, Scott retired in late January. Now, the volunteer gives her time to the Hollister Downtown Association and Farmers’ Market.
“I want to see this downtown survive and become a viable place where people come to shop,” Scott said. She later added, “Maybe because I grew up in a generation where that’s what shopping was all about. We didn’t have shopping centers.”
Another benefit of volunteering for Scott is keeping busy in her retirement.
“I like the interaction with people,” Scott said. “I didn’t retire to sit at home or I’d still be working.”
Scott first began volunteering with the HDA through her involvement with the Farmers’ Market.
Six years ago, Scott began helping with the downtown event, drawn to its local flavor.
“It’s the opportunity to buy basically fresh local produce in one spot,” Scott said.
Now, Scott chairs the HDA promotion committee and is the co-chair of the Farmers’ Market. She also sits on the HDA board of directors.
Van Rooy said Scott is always there to lend a helping hand.
“She is just a go-getter,” Van Rooy said. “If we need something done, she’ll do it.”
For Scott, the Farmers’ Market is a deep personal commitment. She believes there could be better community attendance at the market.
“If it’s important to you, you don’t forget,” Scott said. “That’s just part of my Wednesday, to be at the Farmers’ Market.”
On average, Scott volunteers about 10 hours a week, she said. Her volunteer time fluctuates as HDA holds events, such as the Street Festival in August and the Lights On Parade in December.
In addition to her downtown work, Scott volunteers with the Relay For Life. For three years, Scott has helped provide food for the 24-hour event.
“That’s very rewarding,” Scott said. “Because you see money get raised for a good cause.”
Helping Hands is a weekly feature of the Free Lance that focuses on contributions made by individual volunteers in our community. It appears each Wednesday. If you would like to suggest someone as a profile subject, please contact us at [email protected].
