Friends, family and community members have been rallying around the Comer family since their South Huntingdon home was destroyed in a fire last week, according to their niece, Mandy Comer.

The home held great memories for the family.

“They hosted a lot of our family events … we’ve spent a lot of time there,” she said.

Over the weekend, family members started an online fundraiser for John and Deb Comer and their grandson, Jacob, and received clothing donations. Now, they’re hoping for donations of nonperishable food, cleaning supplies and household goods, such as pots and pans, towels and dishes.

“We were shopping Friday night after the fire … it really hit me — they don’t even have a hairbrush,” she said.

The family is staying in a hotel for now and has been overwhelmed with the support thus far, as well as trying to navigate the aftermath of losing their home and belongings, Comer said. Four cats perished in the fire. Two dogs were rescued.

John and Deb Comer had lived in the house for about 30 years. John Comer built it, as well as two others nearby, through his construction business. The Boy Scout Camp Road home, nestled in a rural area off Route 981, served as a show house for potential customers, Mandy Comer said.

“They were always the givers,” she said. “They’re just really overwhelmed with how much friends and family and community are rallying around them. They are appreciative and they’re just trying to get on their feet.”

Through Comer, the family expressed appreciation for the volunteer firefighters’ efforts. Flames engulfed the home and firefighters were there for hours. John and Jacob are avid hunters — several trophy mounts were lost in the blaze.

Donations of household goods can be dropped off on the porch of 130 Route 31, Ruffs Dale. Monetary donations can be directed to the GoFundMe online fundraiser.

“Whatever they don’t have a use for, it will be donated to another good cause,” Comer said. “People’s stuff won’t go to waste.”

Turkeytown firefighters have not responded to inquiries from TribLive.

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