FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — When disabled U.S. Army veteran Zaneta Adams arrived at Sears in the Lakes Mall, she thought she was going to be participating in a customer survey to help the store gauge consumer tastes.

What the North Muskegon resident found Wednesday was something entirely unexpected — a free Kenmore washer and dryer paid for by employees from eight of Sears' Michigan stores. Employees from the stores pooled together their personal money and conducted fundraisers to purchase the appliances in honor of Adams’ military service.

"I wish my children were here," said Adams, a 32-year-old mother of six who broke her back at Fort Stewart, Ga. in 2005 when she fell off a 10-foot truck. "It's probably not going to hit me ‘til I get home."

Mike Rannells, manager of the store in Muskegon County's Fruitport Township, said employees decided to raise the money after learning that it would take several months or more for Adams to take advantage of Heroes at Home, a Sears program that provides assistance to cash-strapped veterans.

"I just felt like it was time to do something sooner than later," Rannells said. "It's a testimony to our employees."

Adams, who is partially paralyzed and uses a wheelchair, said it was heartening to learn of the outpouring of support.

"To me it's a shock," Adams said, "but it's also that I know that a lot of people appreciate my service."

Rannells said Adam's story struck a chord among Sears' employees. To raise money, they held bake sales, a silent auction, and a bottle and can drive. Others forked over cash.

"People were bringing in their penny collections from home," he said. "Anything and everything to raise awareness to and help make this young lady's life a little better."

With six children, it's a big help, said Adams, whose husband, Joseph, works at Comcast. After the couple bought a 2000 Chevy Suburban last year, they had practically no money to buy their children — who range in age from 11 months to 15 years — Christmas presents.

"It's a blessing," her husband said. "It's saving us a ton of money."

Dave Eling, director of Muskegon County's Department of Veterans’ Affairs, praised Sears for helping the couple. The store's employees could have forgotten about the couple after it became clear they couldn't immediately receive assistance from its veterans assistance program, he said.

"Sears made it right by helping her out on their own time," he said. "So that's a real kudos to them."