Restore local food to Lansing NC by rebuilding CJ's Market

Our mission as Buckleys Vineyard in Ellijay Georgia was to assist with the North Carolina storm relief effort, though we were uncertain of the where and how. It began with a search on Instagram using hashtags #helene and #asheville, leading us to a heartwarming photo of children playing, shared by Sheila Reed. Sheila Reed retired high school English teacher graciously sent us to her neighboring small-town, but when the words "I have sourdough and croissants" were heard we rerouted to her home; nestled in the northwestern corner of North Carolina within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small town of... Lansing. Although it is home to 236 residents, it spans nearly 24 square miles and serves about 4,000 people from small farms and mountain homes. At the core of this community is CJ's Market, the sole provider of fresh food. Given that many residents are elderly or have low incomes, traveling for groceries isn't feasible, rendering the market vital for the town's people. Since 1985, CJ's Market has been the only grocery source for Lansing and its neighboring areas. Three years ago, Jamey and Trish Hart had the chance to purchase the market. Having worked in grocery stores since he was 16, Jamey Hart used to commute 90 minutes to work at Ingles in Newland, NC. Owning the market allowed him to prioritize his family and fulfill a lifelong dream. This town and community embody the spirit of what America is all about. Hard working and resilient people that will rebuild and make a strong come back after a once and a lifetime storm. These are proud people and would hardly ask for any assistance. We as a community would like to do what can to help Lansing get back to their everyday life. Let's all pitch in and make that happen by contributing what we can. We thank all that have given and thank everyone in advanced for contributions that will help get CJ's Market back to serving the community as it has since 1985.

In our cover photo from left to right is Ellie Whittington- reporter from Wilkes County NC, Sheila Reed- Lansing local taking care of her people by hand delivering needs, Ashley Schaaf- our girl in the vineyard and her dog Brownie, our Wine maker;)