BUCKHORN — Friends, family and complete strangers showed up to buy dinners to benefit a woman in need of a handicapped-accessible van so she can go back to work.

Melissa Wilson hadn’t learned of Monday night’s fundraiser at Quaker Steak & Lube, set up by friend Mikki Anselmo, until a week and a half ago. Ten percent of every dinner was donated to the effort. “She put it together and got people to donate for raffles,” Wilson said.

Wilson was left paralyzed from the chest down following a one-vehicle crash July 25. Her children Sydney, 6; Logan, 3; and Gabriella, 2; were hurt but are doing well now.

“I appreciate all of this — these people coming together to help me. I’m very thankful for all of this,” said Wilson, a Danville area resident.

Anselmo persuaded her drummer brother J.B. Swope to bring his band Kinsey to play for the benefit. An added attraction was a demonstration by flame-throwing cars.

Restaurant officials won’t have the total amount collected for a few days.

Anselmo hoped enough could be raised at least for a down payment for a van. Wilson estimated the van could cost $20,000. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation will help pay for hand controls and modifications to the vehicle. The office requires the vehicle be less than five years old and have fewer than 50,000 miles.

“In order for me to go back to work, I need a vehicle,” said Wilson, adding her employer Alley Medical Center of Berwick wants her to return as an LPN.

She is able to take care of her children with help from her boyfriend Anthony McGlynn. They live with her dad Arthur Wilson whose house was recently renovated to be handicapped-accessible by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and United Disability.

Steak & Lube Assistant General Manager Jim “J.D.” Wilson said the restaurant holds fundraisers as a way of striving to become a real part of the community. “Any way we can give back — is really what we want to do,” he said.

Anselmo and Wilson have become like family since the accident. An EMT-firefighter, Anselmo was on her way to a doctor’s appointment when she came upon the crash, near Mooresburg, and stopped to help. “Our families have meshed together,” Anselmo said.

Wilson, who does physical therapy at home, said, “I am coming along a little more every day. I have my bad days like everyone else. I’m still here and I’m lucky to be here,” she said.

n E-mail comments to kblackledge@dailyitem.com.