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The Round Mound of Rebound could just as easily be called The Round Mound of Giveback. In his latest charitable move, NBA Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley has again returned to his Alabama roots, giving a generous gift to school system workers in Leeds, Alabama.
Barkley, a former Auburn University standout and current basketball commentator for TNT Sports, graduated from Leeds High School in 1981. Known for his candid speech and political incorrectness, Barkley is also a major
charitable giver. Last month, he directed
his generosity to workers at Leeds City
Schools, giving each of the school system's
226 employees $1000.
Last month, the Leeds City School's Facebook page announced the gift and celebrated the NBA star's continued support of his hometown.
“We are humbled and wish to express our sincere gratitude to Charles Barkley for providing a $1,000 gift to each and every Leeds City Schools employee for going the extra mile this school year,” the Facebook post said. “Being a school employee is tough, but driving a bus, teaching, coaching, or working in the cafeteria, all while maintaining safety protocols, has been a daunting task during a worldwide pandemic.”
Leeds school system officials also shared that this is not Barkley's first time providing support for to students and staff in the city—he has also donated cash and equipment to girls and boys basketball programs in Leeds. Additionally, Barkley has provided laptops and wifi hotspots for virtual learners during the pandemic.