WESTFIELD-Donna and Joe Shibley are “thankful and grateful” for the many blessings in their life and each year at this time, they host a “Thankful Hearts” evening at their business, Pilgrim Candle Co. at Bismarck Place, to give back to the community.
“Thankful Hearts is a special gathering of friends and family in support of the Westfield Food Pantry,” said Donna Shibley, adding that all monetary donations that were collected on Nov. 21 during the festive affair will be passed on to the nonprofit.
“During Thankful Hearts all of my vendor’s fees were donated and we will keep a donation jar out during the holiday season,” she added.
The couple, who have been making candles in the city since 1992, are also participating in the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop to Win” promotion on Nov. 29-30. The Shop to Win marketing campaign is in conjunction with Small Business Saturday that was originally created by American Express in 2010.
“With the scaffolding gone, we welcome area residents to marvel at the architectural work that has been made possible through a Westfield historic grant,” said Shibley. “We are grateful we were able to get the grant and that the community supported it.”
The refurbishing of the building takes one back in time to the original Bismarck Hotel, circa 1900. Features thanks to the grant include a new handicapped ramp and a door in the back of the building.
“We personally have some finishing touches still to do,” said Shibley.
During the Westfield Chamber’s Nov. 29-30 “Small Business Friday & Saturday” promotion, Shibley will offer a $10 gift card to the first 25 customers with a purchase on each day. The gift card will be redeemable in December. Also, she plans to have some light refreshments for patrons to enjoy while they take in all of the sights and smells of the season.
“Small businesses are what keeps the community together,” said Shibley, adding, “small businesses are the heart of the community.”
For area residents visiting Pilgrim Candle Co. at 16/36 Union Ave., expect a wide variety of candle scents and gift ideas to choose from, as well as accessories for women and home furnishings.
“Our most popular candle fragrances in December are balsam and winter woods,” said Shibley.
While balsam and winter woods are top sellers, visitors can also expect to find holiday scents including pumpkin pie, apple pie, cranberry, banana nut bread, holly berry, coffee cake, and many more.
For area residents participating in the Chamber’s Shop to Win promotion, Pilgrim Candle is one of the 40 businesses listed on a game board that can be stamped for a chance to win one of three cash prizes.
“We will also be a drop-off location when the game boards are completed,” said Shibley.
