Bus Aids Kids Affected By Tornado

INDIANAPOLIS -- A bus designed to entertain the children of storm victims as their parents work on recovery efforts is lending a helping hand on Indianapolis' storm-ravaged east side.

C.J.'s Bus arrived Friday morning at an American Red Cross shelter on 38th Street. The bus is named after C.J. Martin, a 2-year-old boy who was one of 25 people killed in a tornado in Evansville in 2005.

The toddler's parents had the bus built as a legacy to him and to help others in the aftermath of severe thunderstorms.

In conjunction with the Red Cross, the bus' services are provided for free. It offers drawing, painting, game and crafts for children.

"It's incredible. It turned out more than what I ever could've possibly imagined," said Kathryn Martin, C.J.'s mother. "The children love it. It's serving its purpose, and that's probably the biggest reward."

Martin was instrumental in getting state lawmakers to pass C.J.'s Law, which requires every new manufactured home in a community in Indiana to come with a weather radio installed.

Martin hopes a similar federal law will pass. It has already cleared the U.S. House.

More Info: C.J.'s Bus