The car wash in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood was organized to benefit Nick Messenger, 12.

The car accident happened in February when Messenger was crossing 15th Avenue at 87th Street. The area used to be marked as a crosswalk but the city recently took the crosswalk signs down. Several cars stopped to let Messenger cross, but one driver sped around the other cars and hit him.

Messenger is still in a semi-coma and unable to move much of his body. Still, he managed to come out to the car wash in his honor and see his friends.

"Nick's very lucky, we're very luck to have this support," said his father Eric Messenger as he watched kids wash car after car.

All day long, a steady stream of drivers lined up to get their cars washed.

"It's just an opportunity, and if you're not in a big hurry, then why not (help)," said Peter Schlagel as he waited for his car to be scrubbed.

The kids said they knew they would have no trouble getting help for their friend.

"People that are generous and are nice will come and donate to Nick Messenger," explained Jake Schlumberger.

The generosity was overwhelming. One driver stopped, handed the kids $50 and said "this is for Nick." He drove away with a smile, not interested in getting his car washed.

Organizers also hope their car wash will serve as a reminder to all drivers to look out for people in crosswalks.

"People's lives are so busy today, in our society, that we aren't -- myself included -- aren't always taking time to slow down and think about things like a child walking across a crosswalk," said Elaine Way.

When it was over, the car wash raised $2,700 to help the Messenger family pay for Nick's medical expenses.