Du Quoin Jaycees launch 37th annual Toys for Kids program

The Du Quoin Jaycees announced over the weekend the launch of their 37th annual Christmas "Toys for Kids" program.

There's no better reason to dive into your family's toy box and find like new or good used toys than the memory of Jane Dimitroff, the beloved late wife of Jim Dimitroff, or the late Jim Booker, who was president of he Jaycees when the project began in 1977.

"This was Jane's favorite project," explained Jim Dimitroff, who announced the start of the project.

Jane was a teacher who gave her life to teaching children and donated countless hours to the community. She was killed in an April 2003 car accident near her home.

Jim's community service work that included being Chief of Police and school board member began with the Jaycees. "Jim was president in 1976-1977 and he wanted to do this project," remembers Dimitroff.

In 37 years it has grown to help between 280 and 300 children in the Du Quoin area. The project takes in the immediate Du Quoin area, Dowell and Elkville and last year the project was extended to include distribution of toys to between 10 and 12 families in the Tamaroa area.

Drop-off dates are from Nov. 1 to Dec. 19. This year, the Du Quoin Evening Call is proud to be a drop-off location. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other drop-off locations are: Du Quoin Fire Department, Plaza Tire, Dollar General, Ace Hardware and the Main Street Consignment Shop,

If you know families that can benefit from this program, applications can be picked up at the Du Quoin Fire Department. You are asked to apply only if the need is genuine.

For more information, call (618) 318-1629 or (618) 790-4027.