Fundraiser Being Held To Help Children Affected By Sand Springs Tornado

The effects of the tornado that ripped through Sand Springs are more widespread than just the debris path. It's taking an emotional toll on many, including many children.

More than 35 children still call the Sand Springs mobile home park home. Many of them saw the tornado coming, and the search and rescue efforts after - and some of them are now homeless.

They need help, and there's a way you can offer just that.

The aftermath is traumatic enough for adults, but it's worse for Jamie and Scott Noble's 6-year-old daughter, Leigha.

3/31/2015 Related Story: Communities Continue Cleanup Post Sand Springs Tornado

"She doesn't want to hear anything about the tornado. She doesn't want to talk about it at all. She's scared to death," Jamie said.

Leigha and her mom survived the tornado that tore through their mobile home park in Sand Springs.

They tried to outrun it, but a power pole fell on their car and trapped them inside; which turned out to be their saving grace.

The pole held the car down as 130 mile an hour winds swirled around them.

"I couldn't get to her. I couldn't hold her. I couldn't tell her I love her. I couldn't do anything," Jamie said.

Leigha is one of 35 kids, so far, getting counseling after the tornado. They're all students at Angus Valley Elementary School where counselor Bill Dieker is trying to help.

“I think the kids have done a good job of adjusting and being supportive to each other, so that's been nice to see, too. But, of course, there are some students that are having a difficult time," he said.

Dieker said the school's fifth graders were planning a fundraiser for a camping trip; now they're giving the money they'll raise to kids like Leigha, instead.

Scott Noble is grateful, but said he's also seeing changes in his daughter.

"Really pulling herself in; becoming introverted and lashing out some and having trouble sleeping at night. So, it's what's to be expected," Scott said.

He's doing what he can to lift her spirits.

"We need to get to some type of normal is what we need," he said.

Scott had the power pole that fell on their car delivered to their home and plans to make it into a cross; a sign of hope for Leigha, and her classmates who survived.

The fundraiser is Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 at the McDonald's in Sand Springs near Walmart and QuikTrip, right off 412.

Angus Valley students affected by the storm will receive 20 percent of all the proceeds.