One of the oldest schools in Richmond County continues to give back to those in need. Leak Street Educational and Cultural Center of Rockingham continues to have its annual summer program for children.

The program began on June 21 and will end on Friday. The kids are at the center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Exposure is needed so that people know that what we are doing and that we have a good program,” said J.C. Watkins, program coordinator.

The program continues to receive funds from the Leath Library, United Way and the Rockingham Rotary Club.

Watkins said that the center received a $50,000 grant for the Cole Foundation but they only allow those funds to be used on capital improvements, they can’t be used for the payment of salaries.

“We give employment to eight to 10 people,” Watkins said.

The salaries are paid out of the rest of the grants.

“We have even had children from Anson County come up to be in the program,” said Watkins.

Destiny Carter, 9, of Greensboro and Destiny Sledge, 9, of Charlotte come here in the summer to spend time with family and to attend the program.

“I have been reading and drawing everyday,” Carter said.

The Project Focus has given two workers a chance to make a little summer money while helping out the community.

Patrice LeGrande and Joshua Calhaun of Rockingham are both rising sophomores at Livingston College.

“I am enjoying it for the most part,” LeGrande said. “ When we do have breaks we will go speak with the other teachers and even some of the kids.”

The Leak Street Cultural Center will have their after-school program when school starts. For more information call (910) 997-6238.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com