How One Small Business is Lighting Up Lives and Communities
A Cheerful Giver, a family-owned candle company based in New Jersey, is making waves not just for the delightful aromas of their hand-poured candles but for their profound impact on the community. For over 20 years, this unique business model has provided meaningful employment to adults with special needs, integrating them into their operations and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
Empowering Individuals Through Purposeful Employment
Founded in 1991, A Cheerful Giver has become a beacon of hope by employing individuals through a partnership with Career Opportunity Development Inc (CODI). This New Jersey nonprofit aims to help young adults with disabilities find work and vocational training, thus promoting their independence. The employees of A Cheerful Giver are pivotal to the business—responsible for placing wicks in each candle. As owners Tony and Susan Gross explain, “They’re the heart of our operation.”
Creating a Community of Support
With a flexible work environment, the employees can choose how much they work, whether a few minutes or up to six hours a day. This flexibility allows them to thrive in a supportive environment, building their confidence while taking home a paycheck for their contributions. Tony and Susan emphasize that every candle purchase helps sustain a workplace that provides these individuals with opportunities to contribute, earn, and belong.
A Quality Product with a Heartfelt Mission
A Cheerful Giver’s candles are not only known for their “powerful scent throw” but also for the mission behind them. They offer a range of sizes hand-poured with premium paraffin wax, and customers are encouraged to support this initiative by purchasing their products. As one satisfied customer remarked, “I was a Yankee Candle zealot until I tried A Cheerful Giver.” The company’s commitment to quality has cultivated a loyal customer base, even extending their reach globally.
The story of A Cheerful Giver serves as an inspiring reminder of how businesses can positively impact their communities while providing quality products. As we celebrate their contributions, it becomes clear that supporting such initiatives not only aids individuals with disabilities but enriches our society as a whole.
