HILLSBORO, OR — Adrian Wakefield called Thanksgiving morning “one of the worst days of my life” after waking up to the shocking news that a car had crashed into Jim’s Ice Cream, the beloved Hillsboro business where she has worked for over 20 years.
Despite nearly $16,000 being raised by the local community in support of the business, the iconic ice cream parlor remains closed, and it’s still uncertain when it will be able to reopen. The shop, located at the corner of 10th and Maple Streets, has been a staple in the area for decades, known for serving as a gathering spot for local students and residents alike.
A Family Business at Risk
Wakefield, a lifelong Hillsboro resident, began working at Jim’s Ice Cream as a teenager. Her sister had managed the shop before her, and Wakefield eventually took over as the business’s manager. After facing quality and franchising challenges, then-owner Jim Schultz decided to leave the Baskin Robbins brand behind and operate the shop independently as Jim’s Ice Cream. Wakefield bought the business shortly after that, preserving its small-town charm as Hillsboro underwent rapid growth.
“This store is my life,” Wakefield said, reflecting on the central role the ice cream shop plays in her family’s livelihood. “It’s my family’s sole income. I always say I live there; I just go home to sleep because of the hours I work. I don’t have words to express how this has affected me and my family.”
The Crash
At 8:54 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, Hillsboro police responded to a two-vehicle crash in which one car struck a pedestrian and crashed into the corner of Jim’s Ice Cream. While the pedestrian and driver sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, the impact caused extensive damage to the building. The structure’s corner caved in, shattering windows, and causing debris like ceiling tiles and insulation to fall.
“The building has sustained severe structural damage,” Wakefield explained. “It will need to be completely gutted before we can even begin to assess the full extent of the damage. There’s a lot of work ahead before we can consider rebuilding or reopening.”
Although Wakefield estimates the shop could be closed for anywhere from two to six months, she cautioned that the timeline depends on how the repairs progress. The business is not currently planning to operate from a temporary location, and despite suggestions from some community members to set up a mobile unit, she said the plan would not be feasible. The small parking lot, which will be occupied by construction equipment and storage pods, is simply too cramped to safely accommodate extra traffic.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of the crash, the local community has shown overwhelming support for Wakefield and her family. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover immediate expenses and business losses, with a goal of raising $20,000. As of December 4, the fundraiser was just shy of its target, with approximately $4,000 still needed.
Local businesses have also rallied behind the effort. 185th Produce in Aloha set up a donation jar, while Bennett Urban Farm Store began selling Wakefield’s signature “hot cocoa bombs,” a popular seasonal treat offered by Jim’s Ice Cream.
“I’m so grateful for the kindness and support I’ve received from this community,” Wakefield said. “The messages, donations, and the outpouring of help from other businesses have truly been a godsend.”
Looking Ahead
While it will take time for Jim’s Ice Cream to recover from the damages, Wakefield is hopeful that the support of the community will help them rebuild. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, and the beloved ice cream shop will continue to face challenges as it navigates the aftermath of the crash.
“We’re not sure what the future holds, but I know that with this kind of community support, we’ll get through it,” Wakefield said. “I just want to thank everyone for everything they’ve done.”
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