DEMOPOLIS-Emma Gibbs just wrapped up her 34th annual arts and crafts summer program, but this year’s program was extra special.

After all of her years of service to the children of Demopolis, the City of Demopolis has finally named the program in her honor.

“I’ve been running this arts and crafts program since 1970 and thanks to the quality of people around me that help out with the program year end and year out, it will only get better,” Gibbs said.

The Emma Gibbs Arts and Crafts Summer Program started as a way to keep the children of the streets and give them something positive to do during the summer months. The program ran this summer from Tuesday, June 1 through Friday, July 16 at the Jones Recreation Center.

“We averaged about 50-60 children a day coming to our program,” Gibbs said.

The program has always been open to boys and girls ages 6-13. The program does have an admission, which is 50 cents per day or $12.00 for the entire program, she said.

“I love helping the children of Demopolis and this program is one of the many ways I can give back to the community,” Gibbs said, “I’ve also been a leader with the various Boy Scout and Cub Scout groups here in Demopolis.”

The program offers the children many wonderful projects to participate in every year including flower art, foam memory books, butterflies from tissue paper, sand art, plaster of Paris, piggy banks. The children also have a recreation time in which they can run around and play many different games.

“The children were able to play in the U.S. Jones Gym this year,” Gibbs said, “We would like to thank Principal Tony Speegle for allowing us the use of the gym.”

The children were also able to make many wonderful items including yo-yos, wind chines, earrings, pencil holders, wall panels, pillows, and aprons. During the course of the program, the children were able to do many different activities including a nature hunt, end of the summer cookout, and many other activities.

“Every child that attended received an recognition item and a certificate,” Gibbs said.

The program had many great helpers during the months including Mary Ann Sewell, Della Seaborn, Bobby Martin, Denarus Martin, Ray Williams, Tara Samuels, and Edward Seaborn. The staff would like to thank the Demopolis Corp of Engineers and the City of Demopolis for all their help in making this program a yearly success.