Kids lend hand to center

Nine-year-old Alec Leeseberg says he doesn't need a lot of motivation when it comes to participating in fund-raisers.

"I like to do fund-raisers," said the Riverside Elementary fourth-grader. "I just know that it feels good to help people because I like to help."

On Sunday, Leeseberg, along with many other children from his neighborhood, will offer a yard sale, bake and art sale, toy drive and car wash from 1-3 p.m. at the Stratford Clubhouse on Aylesbury Drive off Hardy McManus Road. The fund-raiser will be for an Augusta shelter and child advocacy center for abused children called Child Enrichment Inc.

Christy Leeseberg, Alec's mother, said the children hope to raise $1,000 - 100 percent of which will go to the child center.

Dan Hillman, the executive director of Child Enrichment, said his center serves two purposes.

"The emergency shelter just serves children removed because of abuse or severe neglect," he said. "The child advocacy center just serves children who have been sexually abused and the law enforcement or the department of children services bring them to us for interviews and we decide who needs counseling or what other services they need in the community."

Leeseberg said that after her son told her he wanted to do something for the community, it wasn't difficult choosing a charity.

"The reason why we chose a children's center is because we thought being that this effort was being put on by the children, we wanted the money to benefit children," said Leeseberg, who has been planning the event with her son for two months. "This is the only children's shelter in Augusta."

Hillman said the effort is greatly appreciated.

"It's fantastic," he said. "It's heart-rending. This is something we want our communities to do. One of the most important things that play here I think is that children need to be aware of what's going on and those who need help. The parents and kids working on this project are such great role models for others.''

For more information about Sunday's event, call 210-5406.

Alec Leeseberg and a few of his friends will hold a car wash and a toy and bake sale at the Stratford Clubhouse in Evans to raise money for Child Enrichment Inc.