Local students from Demopolis used the upcoming Valentine’s holiday to spread some joy around town. Students from U.S. Jones Elementary School traveled Woodhaven Manor and to The Willows Retirement community to hand out Valentines and spend time with the residents.

The children were all part of a very unique after school program that gets students active in the community.

“This is a part of the 21 Century After School program,” said Barbara Hill, who helps direct the program. “One of the goals we had with that was to get out and do some community service. We have started doing some things and making stuff that we can go out and take to people.”

Hill said there were several other things the program does to shape model citizens. Hill said this was a favorite and a tradition.

“We also do lots of other things too,” Hill said. “We do some safety projects, but we really like the Valentines. Today we were trying to do several things. This is one we have done for several years.”

Hill said the children have responded wonderfully to the program. She said they enjoy making crafts, but most of all, they enjoy getting out around people.

“The kids love to do this,” Hill said. “They love to do them and they will do them for their parents as well. We don’t always go and take them, but this year we decided to do it. They The 21 Century program includes students from U.S. Jones grades three through five and Westside Elementary grades kindergarten through second.