BY KEVIN MCCONLOGUE
Supporting local businesses during the holiday season is one thing that everyone can do to help out their fellow community members. Even the area shops have come out to help each other during these tough times, by selling products created by local vendors.
Some of these delicacies can even make great Christmas gifts for the Wyoming County residents who may have waited until the last minute for Christmas shopping.
Eclectic Heart, located at 2 East Tioga Street in Tunkhannock, is selling a line of Lake Carey clothing, including headbands and scarves made by Cheryl Stone of Lake Carey, and a collection of Lake Carey tee shirts and hoodies shipped out by Debbie Tierney.
“This has been a tough year, especially with all of our big summer gatherings canceled,” Tierney said. “It’s great that we’re able to sell our shirts at stores in Tunkhannock, and I know the local community is very supportive of all its small businesses.”
Just down the sidewalk at Mercantile 22, along with their collection of clothes, they also have something that may interest someone with an artistic side. Various pottery items created by Bill Springs of Tunkhannock can be a perfect addition to a fine China display in a dining room.
The store also has bracelets and anklets made by Wyoming County vendors that could be a perfect addition to a loved one’s jewelry collection.
If the family or friends have a sweet tooth, they for sure can satisfy it at Ebb’s Candy Jar, located at 60 Bridge Street. When everyone thinks of Ebb’s, they think of the savory chocolate that makes the place smell like a dessert delight. It’s not just chocolate that’s the big seller, however.
Ebb’s is partnering with Annie’s Country Kitchen in Clarks Summit to sell some of their homemade sauces. You can find everything on the hot side from chili sauce to salsa, to peach and blueberry cobbler on the sweet side. The various sauces could be the perfect addition for the cook in the family, or just for someone who likes to add some flavor to their toast at breakfast.
KEVIN MCCONLOGUE / STAFF PHOTO
Dan Gay shows off a fruit presser made by Norman Werkheiser of Tunkhannock.
When something needs to be repaired at the house, Gay’s True Value Hardware, located at 189 East Tioga Street in Tunkhannock has been one of the go-to places for many people. Gay’s is another business that likes to try and help out others around the holidays.
“The people of the community support us, so we like to return the favor and support them,” owner Dan Gay said. “If anyone else needs any help, we are going to try and be there for them.”
In local gifts, Gay’s is featuring Sassy Albert Hand Soaps and Body Lotion, made right in Tunkhannock. They come in five different scents, and can be the perfect gift for a person who likes changing up the scents of their house.
Gay’s is also featuring something very unique that might attract the attention of a lot of people, a fruit press that can be used for making wine. The fruit press was built by World War II veteran Norman Werkheiser of Tunkhannock, and donated to Gay’s.
“He came in with this big fruit press one day, and told us that we can sell it,” Gay said. “It’s remarkable that a 94-year old man like him is still doing projects like this, but it’s one of the remarkable things about this community.”
Tunkhannock local businesses are encouraging all last minute Christmas shoppers to buy local this holiday season, and support each other when doing so.
