ONTARIO — Colton Turnbaugh, an Ontario High School freshman, is recovering from second- and third-degree burns on the right side of his body, said his aunt, Jen Perry.

“They go all the way up the right side of his body, some are on his face,” she said Friday.

Doctors at Akron Children’s Hospital in the burn unit said they hope the 15-year-old can be released before Christmas but it depends on the healing process.

Meanwhile, the Ontario community has decided to raise funds through The Colton Turnbaugh Medical Fund at Mechanics Bank. Donations can be made at any location throughout Richland County.

Ontario Athletic Director Chris Miller said Friday the faculty is organizing a fundraising effort to take place during the Richland Source NOL-OCC Challenge. Fundraising will continue throughout the winter sports season, Miller said.

“We’ll have a collection bucket at the concession stand and probably make an announcement,” Miller said.

Also, during all halftimes at junior varsity and varsity basketball games, a 3-point shot contest for $1 has been organized.

“We’re just trying to give them (the Turnbaugh family) a little bit of assistance,” Miller said, adding the family is not keen on the idea of being in any sort of limelight.

“That just speaks to the kind of family they are,” he said. “It’s really a great family, hopefully people will rally around them and raise some funds.”

Colton’s father, Wes, was an Ontario graduate in 1999. Miller said he was a state champion and the Division II wrestler of the year during the 1998-99 season.

The burn, which occurred at the Turnbaughs’ residence on Sunday, Dec. 11, happened one day after Colton’s varsity wrestling debut — a day he went 4-0.

“Colton’s a good wrestler. There are definitely some high expectations, especially with the bloodline there,” Miller said.

Captain Steve Krock of the Springfield Township Fire Department said the incident occurred at the family’s house on Millsboro West Road at approximately 11:30 a.m.

“I think he (Colton) was trying to start a fire in the wood burner or something down there and he put some liquid on it. It flashed and the vapors caught fire,” Krock said.

According to Miller, the community has taken care of two weeks worth of food for the family, who is currently making trips back and forth to Akron. However, one expressed need is breakfast food.

“Just something quick that can be heated in the microwave like breakfast burritos or casseroles,” he said.

Perry said Colton loves receiving the e-Cards sent to him.

“It makes his day when he gets one,” the aunt said. “He’s very grateful.”

Additional e-Cards can be sent by clicking here.

“You know, Colton is going to live. He’s going to be able to rebound, to do kid things. Hopefully his wrestling career is not over. He’s a great kid, an A student,” Miller said.