Bright yellow ribbons were everywhere Saturday at Rouse’s Supermarket in Slidell as the Northshore High School cheerleading squad turned out on a fundraising mission.

The girls were there to collect donations to help with medical expenses for fellow squad member Ashlee Stokes, who has been in a coma since a May 25 accident with an alleged drunk driver. In their hair were ribbons embroidered with Stokes’ name, which they vow to wear all year, until their friend comes home.

“We just miss her and want her to be well,” said cheerleader Victoria Peterson.

Rouse'€™s corporate policy dictated only two at a time could bag groceries, so some squad members set up camp in the store vestibule, while others handed out sales flyers and soft drink coupons. Pictured are, from left: Nikki Tomboli, Lauren Dressel, Beth White, Meagan Dekemel, Megan Prudhomme, Allie Galvan, Sara Hazelwood, Lindsey Frechou, Samantha Prudhomme and Jamie Jackson. (Staff Photo by Anne Lautzenheiser)

Members of the community have rallied around the 15-year-old, many of whom describe Stokes as always having a smile and kind word for everyone. Several parents have agreed to place buckets at their places of business, and Rouse’s store manager Donny McDowell also donated a grill for a raffle to be held during a July 19 spaghetti dinner. Even those who weren’t regular Rouse’s shoppers stopped by to donate.

One man, identifying himself only as Philip, stepped up with a $100 bill, asking playfully if he could get back “99 ones.” As one of the girls began to count out the change, he assured her he was only teasing, dropped the bill in the jar and told them to keep it.

“This is a good thing they’re doing,” he said. “I don’t go to church that often, so I guess I can give back this way.”

Stokes has been transferred to three different hospitals since the accident. Currently in intensive care at Kindred Hospital in New Orleans, she is still not awake but has shown several signs of progress. According to Karen Stokes, doctors hope to soon begin the transition to physical therapy and rehabilitation.

In addition to the spaghetti dinner, a benefit car wash is planned at Washington-St. Tammany Electrical Cooperative on Aug. 2. For more information on the fundraisers or how to contribute, go to www.ashleestokes.com.