This story is part of a series highlighting seniors doing exceptional volunteer work in the community. The stories were part of a special print edition distributed throughout businesses in town.
Gary Scott retired from a long career serving as director of Parks and Rec to continue to serve the community in a different capacity – with lots of volunteering.
Two days a week, Scott drives Senior Wheels from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. He drives to everything – doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, grocery store, Walmart, hair appointments and massages – throughout Douglas County
Getting transportation to the public in Eudora was something Scott worked on with the Douglas County Senior Resource Center. When Eudora got its own van from the center, he knew he had to jump on the opportunity to drive after he’d advocated for the program. He started driving four days a week, but has since received help from other residents with the other days.
On Wednesdays, he spends the first half of the day at the Eudora Food Pantry. He helps organize food for pick-ups.
If he’s not there, he’s helping organize food for Harvesters distribution at the Methodist church on the third Wednesday of the month. That location serves 400-500 people who come from over a dozen zip codes a month.
He also mows around 8 acres at the church grounds once a week with a couple of other church members. He also helps various others mow their lawns around town.
On Sunday, he picks up food from a local grocer to take to the food pantry that would otherwise go to waste.
He also helps with Lions Club’s civic projects and Parks and Rec Foundation special projects.
“I think it’s because most people when they volunteer they get a lot back in return,” he said.
Giving back to his community has always been important to him. When he worked with the Special Olympics, he saw the number of volunteers who made the event possible. Even though it was a paid job for him, it opened his eyes to how rewarding volunteer work was for everyone else.
“I have a little prayer that says, ‘Dear God, help each of us to brighten the lives of others,’” he said.
Scott was in the parks and rec industry for 40 years. He grew up in Eudora before going to Baker University and then came back to town after seeing a parks job listing.
That leaves Thursdays and Saturdays for Scott to spend some time on himself – so it’s been a lesson in how to say no. It is his responsibility to avoid burnout.
“Thank goodness I have a calendar on my phone,” he said. “The community was good to me, so what can I do to help others?”
