(WSBT) A community torn apart by a tornado came together to cheer for their football team. Many people in Nappanee watched the Northwood Panthers get a step closer to another state championship Friday night.

It's been a hard week for hundreds of Nappanee families who suffered damage to their home or had it destroyed. But the school says it was important to get things back to normal and give them what they love: Friday night football.

"This is a 48 minute time slot people can get their minds off things," said Rick Dovson, head football coach.

There were several people within the packed bleachers wanting to sit back and relax.

"It's been a tough week. No doubt about it because our lives have been turned upside down," said Lynn McClung whose house was destroyed. "It's nice to have a relief like this and a release."

The tornado destroyed the McClung's home, but that didn't sideline their son, Grant, number 32.

"The kids have gotten over the shock of the last week's events. They played and practiced with a little more enthusiasm, and I've been encouraged by it," said Dovson.

School administrators wanted to provide a safe haven for students, so the high school was one of the first places to re-open after the storm.

"One of the things that we can offer since we didn't get damaged is a place of normalcy and routine," said David Maugel, Northwood High School principal.

But even at the game, there were reminders and people wanting to help by making donations through WSBT and purchasing the last of 500 storm T-shirts.

"There are people that have nothing and need all the help they can get," said Andy Beachy, who make a donation.

"It's nice to be able to help out a little bit," said Kierstin Schalliol, who bought the last shirt.

But a little bit goes a long way.

"That's just one of the many miracles we've seen, and we've seen a lot," said McClung.

"Just unbelievable, really unbelievable," said Tom McClung.

In addition to the Northwood High School game, WSBT accepted donations at the Mishawaka High School game and over the phone in the studio. Several thousand dollars was raised. All of that money will be given the Nappanee Tornado Victims Assistance Fund which will later be distributed once the city determines eligibility requirements.