How You Can Help Senior Veteran Who Lost Everything in Rome Fire

A senior veteran is lucky to be alive after escaping the devastating fire at Peterson's Pet Shop in Rome.

John Boss lived in the the apartment above Peterson's Exotic Pets. Fire tore through the building early Thursday morning and John was lucky to escape with his life and his service dog, Lady.

The Bread of Life Community Center, where Mr. Boss is a patron, is taking up a monetary donations as well as household items to help Mr. Boss rebuild after this devastating loss.

Monetary donations will be used to purchase clothing and other items needed.

Checks can be made payable to John Boss and can deliver or mailed to the Bread of Life Community Center, 401 N. Washington St. Rome NY, 13440.

Household items can be donated at the center, but you'll need to call 315-337-0470 first and ask for Theresa LaPointe who is coordinating the efforts. A donation jar is also set up at the community center for anyone who wants to help. There will be another set up at Saturday's Craft Fair at the First United Methodist Church, 400 North George Street, from 9am - 4pm.

A GoFundMe has been set up by a friend of John's.

Another Go Fund Me for the Peterson family, who lost their nearly 5 decade old business.