Discover the Candle Company Transforming Lives in New Jersey

A Cheerful Giver, a family-owned candle business based in New Jersey, is reshaping the landscape of inclusive employment for individuals with special needs. For over 20 years, this small business has been a beacon of hope and opportunity, showcasing how commerce can directly benefit the community.

Empowering Employment Opportunities

Founded in 1991, A Cheerful Giver has made it their mission to provide meaningful jobs to adults with disabilities. By hiring individuals to place wicks in their hand-poured candles, the company not only enhances their production line but also creates a nurturing environment for its employees. Owners Tony and Susan Gross emphasize the importance of choice in the workplace, stating, “How much they work is entirely up to them. There’s no pressure, no quotas—just purposeful employment and the pride that comes with being part of something real.”

Collaboration with Local Nonprofits

The company partners with Career Opportunity Development Inc (CODI), a New Jersey nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find employment and vocational training. The collaboration ensures that workers can gain competitive wages while supporting their independence. Whether they work for a few minutes or up to six hours, each team member takes home a paycheck, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Candles with a Conscience

When customers purchase an A Cheerful Giver candle, they are not just buying a product; they are investing in a cause. Each purchase supports a workplace that empowers differently-abled individuals to earn, contribute, and feel a sense of belonging. As one satisfied customer noted, “I was a Yankee Candle zealot until I tried A Cheerful Giver. The scent throw is unmatched… I can smell it throughout my entire house.”

A Cheerful Giver exemplifies how small businesses can make substantial impacts on their communities by prioritizing inclusivity and social responsibility, proving that commerce can be both profitable and transformative.