SAN ANTONIO – Family and friends of Samantha Contreras, 23, got together Saturday to raise money for her funeral expenses.
Contreras' body was found under a parked truck in the 300 block of Cordero on Christmas Eve.
Police later linked her death to a major accident on Interstate 35 and Interstate 10.
Organizers said they decided to hold the barbecue plate fundraiser at the Abundant Life Church on South Presa Street because Contreras went to church there.
They said they set everything up in the church's parking lot at 8 a.m., and people have stopped by to make donations and to buy plates throughout the day.
Trista Yebra, Contreras' cousin, said they're moved by the show of support, but that they are still in shock and in disbelief that Contreras is gone.
"Samantha was an awesome mother," said Yebra. "She's a young mom and her whole focus was her family, being family-oriented, loving her children. She worked hard and her main focus was loving them."
Contreras leaves behind a husband and three baby boys.
She also had 11 sisters and three brothers.
"I just hate that it was my little sister," said Rebecca Contreras, Samantha Contreras' sister. "To find out on Christmas Eve, you know."