For the better part of three decades, Gery Cook has helped numerous people find their forever homes, but his work does not stop at closing deals.

Cook, a real estate agent for 38 years, has spent his spare time involving himself in charity and volunteer work.

“God has been good to me, so I just feel it’s important to give back,” Cook said. “It’s rewarding to see that you’re able to help people.”

Cook serves as the association executive for the Fort Dodge Board of Realtors. He works with realtors in Calhoun, Webster and Humboldt counties, giving him the opportunity to search for different organizations in order to help people.

Cook said he and a group of people partnered with the SALT Center at First Baptist Church in Fort Dodge to purchase gifts and provide meals to homeless individuals last Christmas.

In March, Cook raised more than $2,000 to donate to Meals from the Heartland in Humboldt.

“Several of us realtors got together and bagged the meals to donate,” Cook said. “I think it’s important that we reach out and we help our community, so I try to do that.”

Cook said that he has taken great pride in helping out with Meals from the Heartland for the past 12 years.

After growing up in Illinois, Cook moved to Fort Dodge at 12 years old. As an adult, Cook purchased a home and found a unique opportunity.

“Barb Johnson, who used to work for Dave Jones, I purchased a home from her,” Cook said. “I was sending her some referrals when she thought I would be good as a realtor, so she came and talked to me. I took the class and I’m starting my 38th year.”

Cook currently works at Regency Realtors as a realtor and broker and does not plan on retiring anytime soon.

“It’s rewarding to see that you’re able to help people find probably the biggest investment that they’re going to have,” Cook said. “I just enjoy working with people. I enjoy closing and seeing how happy they are, and I enjoy talking to them about things they should do to improve the home.”

In addition to his realty work, Cook takes part in political activism in Fort Dodge. Cook said that speaking up and engaging in City Council meetings is another way he gets involved in the community.

“I try to get as many people involved in order to move forward, even with our city,” Cook said. “I encourage my relatives to attend meetings and get involved.”

Fort Dodge city officials recently introduced a plan to convert North 15th Street from four lanes to three lanes.

Cook, who drives on the street every day, is working on a petition to stop the proposal.

The North 15th Street proposal is not the first time Cook has created a petition in Fort Dodge.

Cook said city officials once planned to change the zoning by the Rosedale Rapids aquatic center, but he and a group of around 90 people were able to sway the City Council vote by signing numerous petitions, making phone calls and expressing their concerns.

“Forty-six or 47 people spoke against it,” Cook said. “Even our councilman said, ‘Well, I’m against it, but I have to vote with the constituents,’ and he voted against it.”