How was Hester regarded in the community? What did she do for the poor? How did they act toward her?

Hester becomes something of a novelty in town. Her needlework becomes sort of Puritan trendy. Her work for the poor becomes the stuff of legend around town. She sews pretty much for free. Hester takes her penance humbly which goes over well in town. Hester's "A" becomes known as "able" rather than adulterer.