Bill Jones has probably run the floor of the HopeTree gym more than many of
the residents who have lived here over the years. Jones referees recreational league basketball games in the gym during the winter, maintaining a relationship with HopeTree that began when he was 15 years old and discovered that two of his closest friends lived here.
the residents who have lived here over the years. Jones referees recreational league basketball games in the gym during the winter, maintaining a relationship with HopeTree that began when he was 15 years old and discovered that two of his closest friends lived here. "I was just amazed at the opportunities here for people who didn’t have parents," said Jones.
Recently, the gym’s original scoreboard, which had ticked off the seconds and tallied up points and fouls for 45 years ticked its last tock. Despite a diligent search, replacement parts simply were not to be found. Rather than see HopeTree incur the expense of a new scoreboard, Jones, who owns and operates a Fast Signs franchise in Salem, consulted his contacts in the sign industry and was able to locate a supplier who offered a discount on a new scoreboard. Jones covered the remaining cost out of his own pocket.
"I was lucky and had two parents who raised me. People up here sometimes don’t have that opportunity for one reason or another. I think anytime the community can help these kids get set in life, we need to help. The fortunate people need to help the unfortunate people. It’s a privilege to be able to donate something back."
