On August 8, the Morris Community YMCA hosted a free “Back to School” Camp Day in Coal City, where a tornado earlier this summer left many homes damaged and many residents displaced.

The event, held at Coal City Middle School, brought more than 120 kids together to enjoy a morning that included crafts, snacks, horse rides and much more. At the end of the day, parents were invited to join their children and YMCA staff for a free BBQ-style lunch, courtesy of Nutrition Services at Morris Hospital and Heathcare Centers.

From the Morris Herald-News:

The free camp day was created when Morris YMCA Executive Director Missy Durkin visited Coal City Superintendent Kent Bugg two days after the tornado, asking what she could do for the community.

“I talked to Dr. Bugg and went back to work, and spoke with the CEO and COO of the YMCA and told them that we needed to do something for the Coal City community,” Durkin said. “Then I talked to Dr. Bugg to come up with a plan where the kids could have fun, as well as the parents.”

Durkin and Morris YMCA Program and Membership Director Sarah Porzel put their heads together to create a free mini day camp and family lunch.

Photos from the day can be found on the Morris YMCA Facebook page.