The loss of income following Hurricane Florence in September has compelled Quarter Moon Books & Gifts, Topsail Beach, N.C., to launch a fundraising campaign. The storm "devastated our business," owner Lori Fisher posted on the store's Facebook page: "After exploring all other options, we have reached the point at which we must make a choice: close the store or ask for your help. After 24 years in business, we're asking for your help."
On the "Save Quarter Moon" GoFundMe page, Fisher wrote: "We were so very fortunate not to have suffered significant physical damage from Hurricane Florence, but due to the immense amount of damage to homes on Topsail Island, the loss of income has devastated our business. We still have debt from inventory purchases, plus monthly mortgage payments, utilities and taxes. I have drained my personal resources, applied for various Small Business Loans with no success, and have reached a point in which I must make a choice to close the store and liquidate or reach out and ask for help.
"For more than 24 years, Quarter Moon Books and Gifts has been a pillar in the community of Topsail Beach. Not just a small business, the Quarter Moon is a gathering place. Many of our customers are vacationers, and the Quarter Moon is a place they return year after year.... I love this community and I love this store. It has been a dream for me. Thank you for your consideration. I cannot express how much I appreciate any amount you would be willing to share with Quarter Moon."