When Mike Haynes went to work as usual Wednesday at the Walgreen's store in Clayton, he had no reason to expect a telephone call from a television star and a big chunk of cash.
But that's exactly what he got.
In a live broadcast from the store during Wednesday's episode that aired at 4 p.m. on KSDK (Channel 5), Haynes was presented with more than $16,000 and VIP tickets to DeGeneres' birthday show on Jan. 26.
"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," was Haynes' basic reaction to the surprise phone call from DeGeneres, and then the surprise appearance by show staffer Jeanie Klisiewicz.
Along with Klisiewicz, about 80 customers led by Stacy Tasman also entered the store to congratulate their favorite clerk.
Tasman led a drive that raised $6,350 from about 280 customers and gave it to Haynes as a holiday gift and to help him take care of his mother. For her efforts, Tasman also scored VIP tickets to DeGeneres' birthday show.
Tasman told DeGeneres that Haynes "is just so genuine and warm and kind. We just love him to death."
Degeneres' show then presented Haynes with another check, for $10,000.
"We're all so happy for Mike," said Amber Nichols, a manager. "He always makes your day better. If you're feeling down, he'll turn it around and put a smile on your face."
And what kind of excellent week was Haynes having?
He was unavailable for comment Thursday because he had just started a vacation, a respite that had been scheduled before the show aired.
