Help keep a small local farm going

On Thanksgiving 2022 Circle Tree Farm lost their Matriarch, Ann after a short but hard fought battle with cancer. Her passing not only has affected the farm and the community, but her family. Her business partner and son, AJ had been her caretaker during that time while simultaneously keeping the farm going, caring for his own children, and taking over Ann’s role of caretaker for her special needs brother, Dale.

This has put a tremendous toll on AJ as he navigates keeping Circle Tree Farm the community staple it has been, providing fresh and quality products to its customers and taking care of his family. Because of the demands of caring full time for Dale as well as his own children, AJ is unable to have traditional employment during the winter months.

AJ is currently looking at bills that are quickly accumulating due unexpected costs related to Ann’s passing. Such things include providing essentials for his family such as food, shelter, and heat; paying for the cremation of his mother so he can bring her home; lawyer and court fees related to taking over guardianship of his uncle; and land taxes associated with the farm.

The farm has been in the Donato family since the 1890’s and for the last six years, Ann and AJ have provided services for their local community and beyond. One of the main things has been donating fresh produce to local food pantries around the capital region. With the rising cost of food, especially produce, one can only imagine the relief this has provided to lower income families to be able to receive fresh produce.

Ann and Arthur Sr. have raised AJ to be a man of character. AJ not only works tirelessly at the farm to keep it running but he thinks nothing of helping a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger if the need arises. It does not matter if it’s to change a lightbulb, a flat tire, provide a ride, or even a meal; he knows no bounds to offering help if and when he can. He does not ask for anything in return as he believes that everyone deserves a little bit of kindness.

We are asking that this amazing community return that type of kindness as AJ navigates through the loss of his mother, taking on guardianship of his uncle, and raising his children. He deserves to keep a farm that his family has worked hard to establish, bring his mother’s ashes home, provide a quality life for his children, and keep his uncle in a place he is familiar with and not get lost in the system by being placed in a facility.