When Friday’s EF3 tornado came barreling down Whichards Beach Road, 11-year old Katelyn Reynolds was not home. However, the Reynolds’ family home was removed from its foundation and her toys were lost in the nearby creek.

When Salvation Army representatives were out delivering meals Tuesday afternoon, they met Katelyn’s father Justin Reynolds, who told them about his daughter’s loss of her toys.

Wednesday, when the Salvation Army came back to what is left of the family home, they gave Katelyn a new box full of toys. Among the toys she received were a jewelry kit, dolls and a Cabbage Patch Kid, which she said was her mom’s favorite when she was her age.

“I got lots of toys, but a week before the tornado I got this doll I named Baby Jane, but she is in the canal,” Katelyn said. “I am grateful, but the mostly I am grateful that my parents made it out.”

When Chip Laughinhouse, public relations director for The Salvation Army, heard Katelyn’s story about her favorite doll being thrown into the canal, he knew he wanted to help her.

“We got together yesterday afternoon and got this box together,” Laughinhouse said. “She is a super kid and was on our mind and with everything going on, maybe a few toys will help take her mind off of things.”

“She’ll love the new toys, and we are in search of another house,” Justin Reynolds said. “Once we get there, she’ll get back to a normal lifestyle. In the meantime, she’ll be staying with somebody so she can go back to school.”

Laughinhouse called the event Christmas in April, saying, “It’s short term things can be replaced, but to see her expression it means a lot.”