Toy and coat give-away Saturday in memory of athlete Darrell Anders

A four-year Christmas toys and coats program begun by Thelma Anders Haynes to honor the memory of Du Quoin High School basketball star Darrell Anders is being held again this year.

The give-away of toys, coats, scarves and gloves will be held this Saturday, Dec. 21 from noon until 3 p.m. at the Du Quoin Food Pantry at 314 North Maple Street.

The items will be given only to children. They will not be given to parents or relatives to take home.

Mrs. Haynes said she has been buying toys all year long for kids and that Kay's Jewelers in Carbondale has donated six cases of stuffed bears this year.

Friends of the late Darrell Anders, who passed away in January 1983 from spinal meningitis, have also contributed.

Come early. The give-away will last only as long as the gifts last.

Thelma and her husband, Steven Haynes, now the manager for Kroger's Harrisburg store, began a coat give-away years ago at the Du Quoin store.

The program has grown over the years. "Last year, we needed two rooms at the food pantry," said Mrs. Haynes.

She said the program may be moved to the Du Quoin Youth Club next year and include a children's celebration of the holidays in Darrell's memory.