Downtown merchants are rallying to assist Roger Fredrickson after the owner of the Winslow gift shop Millstream was hit by a car while crossing a downtown street last week.

Fredrickson was hit as he was walking south across Winslow Way at the crosswalk next to Madison Avenue just before 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24.

A 30-year-old Bainbridge woman in a 1999 Honda CR-V EX was trying to make a left-hand turn when she struck Fredrickson, according to a Bainbridge police report on the accident.

Witnesses said the compact SUV had been stopped at the stop sign, but hit Fredrickson as he made his way across the street. Witnesses also said he didn’t fall initially, but struggled to stay on his feet, but then stumbled and fell on his left hip.

He appeared to have suffered a possible broken hip or leg in the accident, according to the report.

The driver told police she didn’t see Fredrickson until she hit him, and Fredrickson, who is 68, also said he didn’t see the SUV until it was upon him.

Police said the accident occurred on a dark and drizzly night, and noted the pedestrian did not have on anything reflective and would have been difficult to see.

The driver was not charged with a traffic violation, according to the report.

Since the accident, Winslow merchants and the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association have stepped up to help Fredrickson.

According to the association, many businesses called and asked what they could do to help.

Fredrickson was released from the hospital Nov. 28, and the association said he is undergoing rehab on the island and faces a four- to six-week recovery.

The downtown association has set up temporary staffing to assist at Millstone, and those who want to help can call 206-842-2982.

“We’re more than happy to serve as a sort of clearing house,” said Jerri Lane of BIDA. “We just really had an outpouring once we learned the news. I think it’s a perfect example of a community coming together.”