COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Nearly 180,000 people around the world die from burn-related injuries each year, according to the World Health Organization. But for one southwest Ohio man, surviving severe burns sparked a mission of hope — one aluminum can at a time.

What You Need To Know

  • Eric Reifenberger's Cans To Care initiatve is a recycling effort that turns donated aluminum cans into charitable dollars for Shriners Children's Ohio

  • Each year, Reifenberger aims to collect 90,000 cans to raise $1,000

  • The initiative has raised nearly $6,000 since it started five years ago

Eric Reifenberger, a machinist from Colerain Township, was badly burned in a 2018 workplace fire that left 20% of his body injured, including third-degree burns on 15% of it. Recovery was an uphill battle, and his physical therapy began with just 30% mobility in his upper body.

But out of the pain came purpose.

“I wear my scars not because it's a reminder of what happened to me,” Reifenberger said. “It's a reminder to me that it’s a time where fire tried to beat me — and it failed,” he said. 

Reifenberger founded Cans To Care, a recycling effort that turns donated aluminum cans into charitable dollars. The funds support Shriners Children's Ohio, a burn center in Dayton that specializes in long-term rehabilitation for young patients.

“We can all come together and make a maximum impact by a simple act of charity — by donating something as simple as a dollar’s worth of aluminum cans,” he said.

Each year, Reifenberger aims to collect 90,000 cans — enough to raise $1,000. In 2022, he surpassed that goal with a record-breaking $1,600 donation. Since launching Cans To Care five years ago, he’s raised nearly $6,000.

The money is delivered through the Colerain Township Fire Department, which helps connect the community effort to the burn center.

Bethany Deines, Senior Philanthropy Director at Shriners Children’s Ohio, said the donations go directly to supporting patients.

“If kids are here for surgery, skin grafts, or acute injuries, whatever the case may be — we use those philanthropic dollars that people donate,” she said.

Reifenberger isn’t doing it alone. Neighborhood partners like Lori McMullin contribute to the cause, often driven by personal experiences.

“My grandfather was in a workplace accident in the late 70s with 70% burns on his body,” McMullin said. “There’s no program better for burn victims than Shriners. It’s a no-brainer to support.”

As Reifenberger drives from house to house collecting cans, he’s doing more than recycling — he’s reclaiming his story, and helping others do the same. 

To support Reifernberger's efforts, follow his Facebook page.