Volunteering everywhere

Ominous piles of paper, folders, phone books and memorabilia drown Bill Bennett’s desk inside his Suncrest Trading office. With no computer in sight, it’s a wonder he manages to keep up with the demands of his company. But Bennett is a seasoned multitasker; he’s successfully juggled the fruit trade business, automobile and boating hobbies, and extensive community service for 40 years.

“I just keep on doing it,” Bennett said. “I guess I can’t say no. But I enjoy it.”

Living in Glendale since the early ’60s, Bennett — a Bay Area native — is a longtime West Glendale Gateway Kiwanis Club member, a founding member of Glendale Police Crime Stoppers, and, in addition to being a financial supporter of local organizations, has been on the board of the Verdugo Hills Council Boy Scouts of America for more than 30 years.

More than a decade old, Crime Stoppers has served as an avenue through which citizens can confidentially call in tips relating to pending investigations and receive monetary rewards if an arrest takes place as a result. Bennett supported the creation of the nonprofit organization, knowing many crimes go unpunished.

“If you are the neighbor of [a guilty party], you might save a life” by calling in a tip, Bennett said.

Bennett’s desire to protect and nurture the community is also directed toward the Boy Scouts, initially as a result of his son’s journey to becoming an Eagle Scout.

“His son got something out of the Boy Scouts and he continues to be grateful for that,” said Verdugo Hills Boy Scouts Executive Director Jon Maeda.

Although Bennett doesn’t volunteer at the troop level, his contributions to the Boy Scouts do not go unnoticed. His fundraising efforts and donations — such as Dodgers tickets — for the organization’s yearly auction are well-known, Maeda said.

“It’s fun,” Bennett said. “I think that there’s some good for the community to see that the scouts are cared for.”

“He’s always been an administrative volunteer, a behind-the-scenes guy,” Maeda said. “We feel very fortunate that he likes us and gives us his time.”