Cape Coral kids recognized for helping out in tornado aftermath

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- In a ceremony held to recognize good deeds on Wednesday, you could barely see the face of second grader Emily Bell over the counter.

She and eight other kids were recognized by the Cape Coral Police Department for having big hearts and doing something to help the community.

Bell was one of those honored for stepping up after an EF2 tornado swept through the city.

“I wanted to clean up for the tornado,” said Bell. “I cleaned the glass inside and did some tree moving outside.”

Bell says when affected homeowners saw her helping, it put a smile on their faces, “I saw the damage and I thought I could help.”

After eighth grader David Hernandez also saw what the tornado left behind, he knew he needed to do something.

“My mother’s mom lives on Beach Parkway and it was devastating just to see all the houses, the cars damaged,” Hernandez said. “So I was like, I would like to raise money to donate.”

Hernandez and some of his Challenger Middle School classmates collected money for those who need some help getting back on their feet.

“Really proud of myself,” Hernandez said. “I achieved a goal to help this community.”

Both say it was sad to see the destruction, but it made them feel good they could do something to help out.