ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) — A 6-year-old girl who lost everything in a tornado that devastated a Perquimans County community in North Carolina got something back Sunday during a second birthday party held for her.

After a tornado touched down in Perquimans County, a community that has been helping the victims move forward came together Sunday for the girl who lost everything. 

At Kin’Folk Axe Throwing in Elizabeth City, Leilani, who besides losing all her possessions was taken airborne by the tornado before landing on a truck, showed much joy Sunday as she was decked out in a pink tutu with her face painted like Hello Kitty.

It’s not something you might expect to see, but her family said Leilani’s spirit comes as no surprise.

“She was just like a little princess, just waving and smiling,” said Jeannie Jones, one of the organizers of the birthday party. 

And the birthday girl was appreciative for the chance to redo her birthday party.

“I want to say thank you, everybody, for coming out,” said the birthday girl, Leilani.

More than 100 people stopped by to drop off a present or join in on her birthday festivities. Kin’Folk Axe Throwing was decorated with balloons, and there was face painting and even a piñata. 

“Everything here was donated, nothing came out of our pockets, everyone came together,” Jones said.

Leilani’s mother, Laquasia Hughes, said her daughter’s resilience is inspiring.

“That’s my blessing,” Jones said. “That little girl out there, she’s special.”

Though their house was destroyed, Hughes said things are looking up.

“The house did come in,” Hughes said. “A lot of the houses are there. They are getting the inspections and all of the good things going — the plumbing and the electricity. So everything is coming together, hopefully sooner rather than later.” 

Jones said her goal is to help each family that has been affected by the tornadoes.