FUND-RAISER Can drive to benefit burned boy

The teenager suffered third-degree burns over 73 percent of his body.
WARREN -- An aluminum can recycling drive in January will help with family expenses for a boy who was badly burned in an August fire.
Douglas Coward, 14, of Washington Street, Newton Falls, has had more than 16 surgeries and spent more than 130 days in the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation.
Douglas and four other juveniles, ages 12 to 14, were staying the night at a home on East Jay Street, Newton Falls. Douglas and his friend were inside the garage when gasoline ignited.
How to help
Those who would like to help him may bring any aluminum cans to Sorrento Restaurant, 2488 Parkman Road N.W., Warren.
The cans should be dropped off behind the restaurant Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations also will be accepted.
For more information, contact Connie Hartman, (330) 399-4395. She is a friend of Douglas' mother, Elizabeth Coward, who has incurred medical bills along with daily expenses of driving to and from Cleveland.
"This was just a little way for me to help her out, and save the environment at the same time," Hartman of Warren said.
She also is encouraging churches, scout groups and bingo halls to spread the word about the can drive.
A 'long process'
Douglas was home for Christmas but has since returned to the hospital. Hartman said he has third-degree burns over 73 percent of his body, is lucky to be alive -- and is quite a fighter.
"It's going to be a long process," she said of his recovery.
Douglas had attempted to put out the flames but was not successful, police said.
Police noted at the time that the boys were outside at 2:45 a.m. and were smoking cigarettes; there was some question as to whether they were sniffing gasoline.
Hartman said no one is really sure what happened. "When you're 15, that's an inquisitive age," she said.