Every Can Counts: SC Firefighters Burned Children Fund Continues to Support Victims in Need

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Every year, more than 300 children across the U.S. are hospitalized for burn-related injuries, according to the American Burn Association. In South Carolina, a special effort is underway to ensure those young survivors get the resources they need — and it starts with something as simple as an aluminum can.

The South Carolina Firefighters Burned Children’s Fund, working alongside the pediatric burn team at the Medical University of South Carolina, raises between $80,000 and $100,000 annually through statewide aluminum can recycling drives. The proceeds go directly toward financial assistance, custom compression garments not covered by insurance, and care kits for families in need (WIS).

Prevention and Recovery Hand in Hand

Board member Rodney Howell says the mission is clear — help children heal while pushing for prevention.
“Each year, there are so many kids that unfortunately slip through the cracks,” Howell explained. “We are trying our best to push out prevention as much as we can. But we live in the real world, and we know that burns are going to happen. So long as burns are going to happen, we’re going to be there to make sure that we help them.”

According to the South Carolina Burn Center Registry, pre-school boys remain the most burn-injured pediatric group in the state. While thermal burns are the most common, non-heat-related incidents also cause significant injuries.

A Camp Where Scars Don’t Define

Beyond medical assistance, the fund fosters emotional healing through Camp ‘Can’ Do — a summer camp for children with burn scars and other visible injuries. There, scars become secondary to shared laughter and community.

“Nobody’s any different,” Howell said. “Some are scarred, some are not, some are burned, some are disfigured — we treat them all like kids, because that’s exactly what they are.”

One camper, Niyla Smithe, knows this support firsthand. After a treadmill accident shredded the skin on her thumb, she underwent four surgeries, including skin grafts from her abdomen and a temporary fish skin covering. Meeting other children with similar experiences made her recovery feel less isolating.
“I used to feel like I was the only person who had a burn,” Smithe shared. “Since I’ve met some other people, it made me feel way better.”

How South Carolinians Can Help

Today, 150 aluminum recycling bins are stationed across the state to collect donations for the fund. The organization urges residents to contribute cans, knowing that every can truly counts in helping children heal and thrive.

A list of Midlands collection sites is available for those wishing to donate.

If you have a story about community efforts helping children or want to share your own recovery journey, the Saluda Standard-Sentinel invites you to join the conversation below.