WINONA - The community has rallied around a Kilmichael teen, injured in a car accident Saturday, January 30.

Rikki Thompson, 15, a sophomore at Winona Christian School, is currently in critical condition at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis. Thompson is suffering from broken bones and a head injury sustained in the crash.

Since the accident, support for the Thompson family has been overwhelming.

"We have been getting calls from so many people," said Ricky Thompson, Rikki's father. "It has been amazing."

Winona Christian School's students and faculty have been vigilant with prayer and support - even wearing specific colors each day in support of Rikki.

Tammy Sutton, WCS secretary, said the students are dealing with their classmate's accident one day at a time.

"It is amazing to see all these kids supporting one of their own," she said. "Monday, we came in and all of the kids were wearing pink - even the boys. Today it is purple and tomorrow it is green."

Sutton said donations are being put in a box in the school office, students are selling special hand-made pins, and a t-shirt sale is also in the works to raise money for Rikki's medical care.

"A prayer vigil will be held on Friday night at 6 p.m. in our gym," Sutton said. "A benefit is also in the planning stages right now."

Local businesses are also showing their support for the injured teen. Huddle House on Highway 82 is donating 10 percent of its weekend sales to the Thompson family.

"We are also selling $1 hearts, and people can write messages to Rikki," General manager Kenna Huffman said.

Mayor Jerry Flowers said city employees are also planning a benefit. Ricky Thompson, Rikki's father, is the Road Manager for the City of Winona.

At Tuesday's Winona Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting, Ricky Thompson updated the board via cell phone and said, although still critical, his daughter is responding well during their brief visits throughout the day.

Rikki, who will be 16-years-old next month, was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident at Highway 82 and Poor House Rd. in Winona.

According to members of local law enforcement who responded to the scene, Rikki crossed Highway 82 directly into the path of an eastbound 18-wheeler.

Rikki, who was wearing a seatbelt, had to be extricated from her Pontiac Grand Prix using the jaws-of-life. She was taken by ambulance to Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to The MED in Memphis.

Ricky Thompson said he felt all the prayers from the community were helping his daughter get through the worst of the trauma, and he can't say enough about the continued support of his daughter and his family.

"At the moment, until they get her out of the woods, prayers are all we can ask for," he said.