GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — As kids continue to catch up from learning remotely, a church in Gaston County brings in reinforcements to help them get back on track.

Eastside Church of the Nazarene hired retired teacher John Matsik.

Matsik serves as the church's education director and helps run the tutoring program.

The free program is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school.

Matsik says it’s crucial that tutoring is offered in the community to help kids succeed, especially with the learning loss from the pandemic.

“The kids benefit from it,” Matsik said. “And I don’t care if they’ve been through a pandemic or not, they will benefit from this kind of a program.

Pastor Joe Bell says he is always looking for additional tutors.