Utilizing a trailer normally used for hauling pumpkins, a Stuarts Draft farm is spearheading an effort to deliver critical supplies to North Carolina for those impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
Craig and Jessica Riffey operate the Homestead Manor Market, and this time of year is usually dedicated to selling fresh and dried flowers, succulent and season pumpkins, mums and more, from their Instagram-worthy backdrop off Stuarts Draft Highway.
However, their hearts and minds have been with those in Asheville and surrounding communities after witnessing the devastation left behind from the storm.
On Monday, Jessica Riffey shared with the community through the farm’s Facebook page that they were planning a trip to the storm-ravaged areas to deliver supplies and invited the community to join the effort.
Wasting no time, their truck and trailer hit the road at 3 a.m. this morning, and the first load has already reached its drop site. The delivery included 10 pallets of water, totes filled with food and toiletry items, diapers, wipes, baby formula and dental hygiene items.
“This was all because of you … our family, friends and community,” Jessica Riffey wrote on Facebook. “Thank you from the depths of our hearts to each of you. We are only the vessel used. Each of you made this possible with your gift.”
The Riffeys are continuing to collect items which will be delivered later this week or early next week to Statesville Regional Airport where the items will then be trucked in or flown to areas in need.
“A second enclosed trailer will head out at the end of this week or beginning of next with all the remaining items and any additional items collected. Any money sent will be used to purchase additional items,” Jessica Riffey said. “Our goal is to fill the trailer up more before sending it south.”
Items needed include chainsaws, shovels, leather work gloves, cleanup-related items, small propane bottles, gas cans, propane camping stoves, baby food, formula, diapers, wipes and ready-to-eat meals.
The couple is also accepting cash and check donations, with 100 percent of the donations going to purchase additional items for those in need.
Donations or items may be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday at 3813 Stuarts Draft Highway in Augusta County.
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Crystal Graham
