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VICTIMS OF FIRE IN ELLET GET HELP

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Akron Beacon Journal (OH)

BENEFIT, COLLECTION, MEMORIAL FUNDS TO AID FAMILY WHO LOST SON

Author: Stephanie Warsmith, Beacon Journal staff writer

Several efforts are being made to help the family of a 5-year-old boy killed in an Ellet house fire Sunday morning. These include two memorial funds, a benefit at a local restaurant, and a collection of food, clothing and other items.

Akron firefighters rescued Owen Orantes-Cruz from the burning Albrecht Avenue home about 2 a.m., but the boy died at Akron Children's Hospital. Owen's two brothers, ages 7 and 12, were injured in the blaze.

The family lost all its possessions and the home it was renting.

 A memorial fund has been set up by the family's neighbors at U.S. Bank in the name of Sandra Orantes-Cruz, Owen's mother. A second fund, established by co-workers of Owen's uncle, has been started at FirstMerit Bank under the family's name, Orantes-Cruz. Donations to either fund may be made at any branch.

The benefit will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Ryan's Grill, Buffet & Bakery, 2863 S. Arlington Road. The restaurant will be closed, except for the benefit, all evening.

Servers plan to donate all their tips to the family's FirstMerit memorial fund. Owen's uncle is a manager at Ryan's, and the three boys regularly visited the restaurant.

Two Albrecht Avenue women are seeking donations of items the family needs from individuals and local businesses. They're asking for clothes, shoes, coats, socks, underclothes, personal items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes), food, toys, games and movies.

The women have collected three boxes of food. Donations may be dropped off at 2535 or 2548 Albrecht Ave. For information about what's needed for the family, call Julie at 330-733-7276 or Kathy at 330-784-3143.

2007 Nov 2