By Angela McGill
Alderson residents may already be familiar with Bethanne and Bill Hopkins, who are frequently spotted selling produce on River View Road across from the Greenbrier Camp for Boys. The couple offers a variety of fresh goodies depending on what the garden is producing. They can have fresh tomatoes, corn, peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon, and more.
Their prices vary, with Bethanne saying, “We get our produce from our friend’s garden and we will be here and sell for as long as the Lord blesses the garden to do so.”
The Hopkins enjoy bringing their wares to town, as it gives them the opportunity to socialize and to help people who can’t travel to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bethanne says, “We love to give. Customers come in and get one or two tomatoes and leave with six. People ask us, ‘Why are you doing this?’ We do it to everybody, we aren’t giving you anything, we’re sharing. Customers that can’t come and purchase produce, we will deliver it to you.”
The Hopkins used to sell their goods over at the mini park, but they changed their location as it was difficult for the elderly to pull in and out of the spot. The open space across from the boy’s camp makes it easier for everyone to get in and out.
Selling produce allows the Hopkins to bring garden fresh goods to the tables of others since the IGA in town closed their doors a number of years ago. Bill had sold fresh produce before the closing of IGA, and now has been in the business for close to 15 years.
They say they aren’t in this line of work to make a profit or to take from anyone else selling fresh vegetables; they just want to help out.
“We’re not here to make a living, we’re here to make a difference,” said Bethanne.
During the fall, keep an eye out and you will also see the Hopkins selling all sizes of pumpkins at their stand for fall festivities.
