There’s a reason for the Christmas tree with no limbs at Eastpoint.

EP Legacy, Inc. and EastPoint Prosthetics and Orthotics have teamed up to provide mobility to people in Africa. The Christmas tree at the EastPoint office, located on Airport Road, is there to raise awareness to those in need of prosthetic arms and legs. For each donation, a branch will be placed on the tree with hopes to have the tree full by Christmas and set for a June 2019 trip to the Ivory Coast, where those in need will receive limbs.

Last year, 20 amputees were delivered prosthetics in Africa.

“We are blessed in this country with good medical care that those in developing nations are not able to have,” EP Legacy, Inc. Vice President Paul Sugg said. “Those in developing countries often go for years without being able to regain their mobility or to be able to go back to work to provide for their families. This is simply because they cannot afford these services.”

Project Coordinator Penny Tripp said the donations are certainly appreciated.

“Without donations, we would be unable to take the trips and provide amputees with limbs,” Tripp said. “They have no health care, money to afford limbs, or the ability to take care of themselves or family. We hope to go over and leave no amputee behind. We’re thankful for the folks in the area and businesses who are able to donate.”

For $100, a below-knee prosthesis can be provided and $200 allows for an above-knee prosthesis. For additional information and a place to donate, go to eplegacyinc.com or head to the EastPoint office, located at 310 Airport Road in Kinston.