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Central Texas teenager donates refurbished computers to KISD families in need

Posted at 2:54 PM, Nov 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-27 16:43:23-05

One Central Texas teenager is using his talent and time to refurbish old computers for families in need.

19-year-old Cederic Willis Jr., better known as CJ, has a passion for computers.

"I just liked creating something out of essentially nothing, and then it evolved in middle school into how does a computer work," said Cederic Willis Jr.

His mom, Veshell Greene, says his interest in programmed Legos and computers started at a very young age.

" [He] Always always, always tinkered around with putting together computers and Legos," said Veshell Greene, CJ's mother.

Now, he is studying Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio. When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, he had an idea to refurbish old computers.

"I said, maybe you can work on the computers that you want and donate them," said Greene, "So he said, 'Good idea,' and we reached out to people and got donations."

The donations were given to Killeen Independent School District families.

"We were able to bless 13 families," said Veshell.

"It feels good just knowing that I have the ability to help people. I can do something," said CJ.

Their first giveaway took place in July. Soon after, his good deed was noticed nationwide and even by Dell, who donated 20 computers to CJ for him to give away.

"At first, I thought it was just something that I was going to do, and it was good to know I was doing it," said CJ. "But I did not expect it to gain this much traction."

On December 12, he plans to giveaway the new Dell computers in addition to more he is fixing.

Veshell is a proud mom and says she cannot wait to see what more CJ accomplishes with his caring heart.

"Who he is is just a kind-hearted, giving, young man," said Veshell.

"I really would like to make things cheaper for everyone, good speed, affordable, that is really what I want to do in the future for everybody," said CJ.

CJ does everything for free, but parts can be pricey. If you would like to donate and support CJ as he continues refurbishing computers for a good cause, feel free to call 254-319-7033. A GoFundMe account can also be found here.

If you would like to donate computers, he welcomes those as well.