At Phil Campbell Elementary School, youth groups from Florida and Birmingham worked all last week to make sure the PCES students had a cheerful atmosphere to return to once school starts on Aug. 15.

Youth groups from Church on the Rock in Calera and Church on the Rock in Palmetto, Fla., painted classrooms and painted bobcat paws on the walls of the school’s snack area outside.

“We found out about the need through one of our church members, Jamie Creekmore, who went to school at Phil Campbell,” said Kristal Lawrence, wife of Calera’s senior pastor, Paul Lawrence. “He let us know their was a need here so we’ve had group painting, organizing and we had a group who was helping build a shed for a family in the area.”

PCES Principal Jackie Ergle said the group has really helped with some of the little – but important – things that might have been overlooked.

“The children still have to drive through a disaster area to get to school, but hopefully once they get here, the school can be a happy place for them,” Ergle said.

“I taught Jamie [Creekmore] in school and he was always such a nice and humble child and I appreciate him remembering us and sending help our way. I know the kids will appreciate all the hard work that has been done to spruce up the school.”