ECU student seeks help for underprivileged children

ECU student Leon Johnson, center, is shown in December 2014 distributing gifts to underprivileged children in the community. (Contributed photo)

East Carolina University student Leon Johnson is helping to make children’s wish lists come true for Christmas.

Johnson created “Giving Grace: Make A Christmas,” which pairs ECU students with underprivileged children in Greenville to make sure the child gets at least one present on their Christmas wish list.

In its first year in 2014, Johnson’s group was able to help about 70 children. This year, he hopes to help at least 100 or more.

Johnson, a senior in public health studies, is teaming with ECU’s Student Government Association, Black Student Union, Greek organizations and others to help children from the Little Willie Center and Operation Sunshine.

The project is named Grace for Johnson’s grandmother, who died last year.

A Christmas party and gift exchange will be held Dec. 8 in Mendenhall Student Center.

For more information or to participate, contact Johnson on Instagram at leon_asking or email johnsonle11@students.ecu.edu.