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Lionel Simmons may be better known for his basketball feats, but residents at a Queen Village public housing development see him in a different light.

The 45-year-old led South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St., to a Public League championship in 1986, is the NCAA’s No. 3 all-time leading scorer from his time at LaSalle University and was drafted seventh overall in 1990 by the Sacramento Kings.

But out of the spotlight ever since his rookie NBA season, Simmons has given back to Courtyard Apartments, 1021 S. Fourth St., which now stands in place of Southwark Plaza, the projects where he grew up.

While his hoops accolades are widely known, he prefers to keep his generosity under wraps. He did not return calls requesting an interview for his Difference Maker selection.

“He never liked to make a big fuss,” nominator Rene Saunders said. “I’ve been trying to do something for him for the past 10, almost 15 years, now. He has such a humble heart. He’s just like his mom – just such a good spirit.”

Simmons – known in the neighborhood as “Train” – throws the children a Halloween party each year. This year’s will feature a scavenger hunt at Jefferson Square Park, 300 Washington Ave.

“He does the whole thing because he doesn’t want the kids to go out trick-or-treating,” Saunders, who grew up with Simmons at Southwark Plaza, said. “The candy is so outrageous, and he’s so funny, but he makes sure to put a toothbrush in every bag.”

He also stuffs a truck full of Thanksgiving turkeys that go to residents and designs a catered dinner for seniors. He follows that with a holiday toy drive for the less fortunate through Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church, 754 S. Third St.

“He’s up all night sorting and separating that stuff,” Saunders, of 23rd Street and West Passyunk Avenue, said. “It’s unbelievable, and he delivers. I watched it last year with tears in my eyes. Who still does that?”

Each summer he holds a leadership program and basketball league, with him and his friends coaching and refereeing the games.

“They see him, and it’s kind of inspiring,” Shane Scruggs, of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, who coordinates Simmons events, said. “They were like, ‘Oh, my God. He played in the NBA.’”

Simmons also coordinates a book bag giveaway at Jefferson Square. But the generosity doesn’t stop at Courtyard. He extends many of these events to Point Breeze, where his business, 22nd St. Cafe, 22nd and Wharton streets, is located.

Prior to Simmons stepping in, the residents didn’t have any activities except for a drill team that eventually was cancelled due to noise and lack of a practice space.

“He was one of those kids at one point,” Scruggs said on why he gives back. “Being the only person from that area that came back to give back, I think that says a lot about him. The only person. He sees those kids as him.”

Saunders grew up with Simmons and hopes he will understand why she nominated him on behalf of the community.

“He’s going to be upset,” she said of Simmons’ initial reaction of learning, “but I believe he’ll get over it, especially when he knows it’s coming from the community … These are the things you have done for our children and even our children’s children, and we just want to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Lionel Simmons may be better known for his basketball feats, but residents at a Queen Village public housing development see him in a different light.

Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.

2014 Difference Makers

/ L. Jay Agnes / Christine M. Beady / Jessica Calter / Mikki Capo /

/ Barbara Capozzi / Giovanna Cavaliere /

/ Christopher DiCapua / Marlo and Jason Dilks / Marie DiStefano / Beth Dougherty /

/ Cornell Drummond / Maureen Fratantoni / Etrulia (Trudy) Gay / Jess Gould /

/ David and Lisa Grainge / Richie Lazer / Tim Lidiak /

/ Shane Martin / Laura McColgan / Akhenaton Mikell / Russell Shoemaker / Lionel Simmons / Tom Wyatt/

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