Alene Candles, the nation’s leading full-service contract and private-label candle and home fragrance manufacturer, launched its New Americans Welcome Program which provides welcome kits to immigrants and refugees, late last year. To date, company employees and volunteers have assembled more than 600 kits at its facility in New Albany. The kits include several practical and personal care items, an Ohio-themed children’s activity book, and an Alene-made candle, all in a durable backpack for the families to use. Alene is partnering with three Columbus-area nonprofits, Creating Central Ohio Futures, Community Refugee & Immigrant Services, and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, to provide welcome kits to their clients.

“Central Ohio’s new Americans are a vital part of the region’s tremendous success story,” said Rod Harl, president and CEO of Alene Candles. “These welcome kits are a small gesture that send a big message to the immigrants and refugees in Greater Columbus — Ohio welcomes you, Alene welcomes you, and we appreciate the contributions you make to our workforce and community.”