PERQUIMANS COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) — Many families in North Carolina are dealing with the aftermath of a tornado that destroyed a number of homes.
In Perquimans County, the community is helping one 6-year-old smile and is giving her a second birthday after she lost everything.
Rubble is all that is left of Leilani’s family’s home after the devastating tornado destroyed it earlier this week. She had just turned 6 earlier this month and lost everything, including all of her toys.
Jeannie Jones’ brother and sister-in-law own Kin’Folk Axe Throwing in Elizabeth City. Jones asked them for a date to hold the birthday party, and she said that, without hesitation, they said March 30. That’s when she goes up to Leilani’s mother to tell her the good news.
“So I came back down here, and I said, ‘We’re throwing a birthday party. And her face just lit up,” Jones said. She started crying, and I’m tearing up. But everything was destroyed. And, you know, kids are our future. So if we don’t show them that we care and the community doesn’t come together to show that, what are we really showing?” said Jones.
And within a day, it exploded on social media.
With multiple people offering to make cakes and cupcakes and DJ the event. Jones posted on Facebook saying, “We need the community’s support to show up and show out for her.”
Soul Catching News is helping, and the birthday party will be at 2 p.m. March 30.
“We just have to start putting ourselves in a position to realize that it can always affect any one of us,” said Deshawn Morris with Soul Catching News.
The young girl herself went through her own nightmare during the tornado when it picked her up. She landed safely on top of a truck.
“We’re just grateful that she’s still here with us,” Morris said. “And we want to make sure she knows that,” said Morris.
When people heard about the story, many wanted to help right away, clearing debris and bringing supplies. But others wanted to do more, and that’s when the idea of a second birthday party for the 6-year-old came around.
Leilani’s mom, Laquasia Hughes, told 10 On Your Side the support is positively overwhelming.
“I would have never expected it,” Hughes said. “And for me to see it, and to see that we have so many people that care, [it’s] genuine love. Words just can’t even express how grateful I am.”
Leilani is a big fan of Barbies, mermaids and the color green. Everyone said her resilience during this time has been inspiring.
“I would have paid for everything out of pocket just to see this little girl smile,” Jones said. “But the outpouring of love, the messages, the calls, the texts that I have been getting, the donations just to buy gifts for her — this little girl has no idea what’s coming.”
Jones said this is just the first family affected by the tornado she is helping, and her goal is to support all of them during this time.
If you are interested in helping Leilani, click here.