Jeannette residents continue to rally around family torn by blaze that killed 4 children and their father

Lisa Peltier of Jeannette was not surprised to see hundreds of people gathered Monday evening outside the American Legion on Fifth Street.

“It’s a very tight-knit community,” said Peltier, who grew up in the city. “People will do anything for each other here.”

That was evident at a fundraiser for Miranda John of Jeannette and her two children, survivors of a massive March 20 fire on Guy Street that killed four of John’s children — Kyson, 7; Kinzleigh, 6; Keagan, 3; and Korbyn, 1 month — and their father Tyler J. King, 27.

Jennifer Deemer of Jeannette did not know King or the Johns, but she knew she wanted to help.

“I just saw what happened, and I reached out to the family to ask if I could start a GoFundMe,” Deemer said.

Nearly 2,000 people have donated more than $102,000 to the GoFundMe as of Monday night. At the fundraiser, several food trucks were joined by a Salvation Army canteen and a DJ as a section of South Fifth Street was closed down. A line formed outside the Legion, where attendees could bid on a number of baskets, purchase drinks and take a chance on the 50-50 raffle. A brief prayer service took place inside.

Stacy Shank of Jeannette was outside with her cousin Jamilyn, selling raffle tickets.

“I’ve known the family for 20 years,” Shank said. “The community here is very tight.”

Deemer estimated about 175 people turned out just to volunteer.

“I didn’t have to make any phone calls once the GoFundMe started,” Deemer said. “People began reaching out and then the Legion called to let us know we could use their space.”

Deemer said despite the tragic loss, the outpouring of support was good to see.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s just beyond words.”

In addition to Monday’s event, the Grapeville Fire Department in Hempfield will host a fundraising dinner from 2 to 7 p.m. April 20 at the fire hall on Newark Street. For details, call 724-523-5308.

Donations for the John family also are being accepted at the Elliott Community Federal Credit Union under the Jeannette Area Disaster Fund. For more information, visit ElliottFCU.com or call 724-527-2822. Credit union officials said a second GoFundMe has been set up for the residents of a neighboring house that also was heavily damaged in the fire.