THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996 TAG: 9605240177
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Frank Roberts
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 70 lines
SHORTLY BEFORE Memorial Day, Gladys Anderson appears.
That has been a constant for 18 years.
Anderson, who lives on Walnut Street, is a familiar figure this time of year downtown - the lady with a bag of paper poppies.
They are a source of revenue for their makers, some of America's disabled veterans. The national fund-raiser is sponsored by the American Legion and its auxiliary.
Anderson, a member of Unit 121, Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, is justifiably proud of her efforts.
``A lot of people may bring in $2 or $3. They don't get out and sell,'' she said. ``Mine go into the hundreds.''
That is because Anderson works hard. She does not push for sales, but she does let potential customers know the importance of what she is doing.
She and her husband, Arnold, used to sell the poppies in the American Shoe Shop, the downtown store they ran from 1961 to 1992.
They went into business soon after World War II, after he got his Army discharge. He had learned shoe repair in the service, Anderson said.
Their interest in people with disabilities stemmed from a childhood accident that left her husband minus three fingers of his left hand.
``His older brother was splitting wood,'' she said. ``Arnold, who was about 4 years old at the time, thought his brother was done cutting and grabbed for a piece of wood.''
She said, ``The poppies are for disabled vets. That's why I got interested in them.''
The Andersons are members of East End Baptist Church where, ``in my younger days,'' she said, ``I was a Sunday School teacher, usher and a member of the junior choir.''
What brought you here? A friend in Hampton had several shoe-repair shops and asked my husband to come to Suffolk for the one here. He said he could buy the shop later.
Birthdate/hometown: March 1, 1919. Hampton.
Fondest childhood memory: Sitting on my grandma's living room floor, listening to her read from a children's Bible.
Marital status/children: Husband, Arnold, and two daughters; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Pets: None.
First job/worst job: My first was doing housework for Col. David Slinker and his family at Langley Field. There was no worst job.
Occupation: Retired.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? I'd like to go back to our shoe shop and meet people like I did before.
What's your favorite hangout? Morrison's or Ryan's.
Favorite food/drink: Shrimp and iced tea.
Favorite movies/tv show: No movie. On television, I like ``Wheel Of Fortune'' and ``Jeopardy.''
Book you wish everyone would read: The Bible.
Ideal vacation: Nevada. I have some family there.
I can't resist: Helping other people.
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? I would get some things for the house and get it fixed. And, I'd give some of the money to charity.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? I've been given so much advice from the Bible. It stands by me.
What's the best thing about yourself? I love people.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone. I'm happy at being me.
What achievements are you most proud of? Trying to be good to others as best I can.
Something you wish to say but haven't: I love you. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Gladys Anderson, a member of Ladies Auxiliary of the American
Legion, is proud of her sales efforts, which benefit disabled vets. by CNB