C.J.'s Bus comforts kids in tornado's aftermath
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When dozens of tornadoes slammed into the South two weeks ago, countless children lived through an ordeal incomprehensible even for adults, reports CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano.
"Everything was shaking and stuff and we heard trees falling and nobody know what to do exactly," said Gabrielle, age 12.
A tree fell on 3-year-old Zacaraiah's house.
"It's broken," he said.
In Tuscaloosa, Ala., where many kids and their families lost everything, Kathryn Martin and her team at C.J.'s Bus hope to restore some normalcy.
"When we drive into a disaster site, they know that this bus is for them," said Martin. "That it's special."
Martin understands loss. Her son, C.J. was just 2 when a deadly tornado tore through Evansville, Ind., in 2005. He and 24 others were killed.
"It made me realize that I must be here for something," said Martin. "I've got to do something."
So with a converted camper filled with toys and games -- dubbed C.J.'s Bus -- Martin and her team are trying to create a safe haven for kids in disaster zones.
"We are not mental health experts, we simply play with the kids," said Martin. "It's as basic as you get. And it's not my place or my volunteers place to give them therapy. So we tend to sit back and listen."
."It's great," said one father, Courtney Dukes. "It's something for the kids and they don't got to worry about no storm. No disaster. Nothing like that. They got a safe place where they can come together."
And for children badly shaken by the storms -- the bus provides comfort.
"It feels like I'm at home," said 8-year-old Jameca Simmons.
Laughter and play -- giving children a chance to heal.
