It’s rare when a hobby can turn into a full-time job, but that is exactly what happened for Kristen Jackson the owner of Lit & Co. Candles in Boise, Idaho. “I started making candles out of a spare room in my house,” she says. “Now I work nonstop out of two shops and through a large online business.” Indeed, Lit & Co. has become a local mecca for handcrafted candles, locally made jewelry and more.

Yet, the pandemic had other ideas for Jackson’s plans. “We had to shut down both stores for a while and it definitely hurt,” she says. “But since reopening we’ve actually been busier than ever and have implemented safety precautions to keep everyone safe.”

Rebounding from hardship, Jackson is ready to pay it forward to others and was excited at the opportunity to join Columbia’s Pass It On Project. With Columbia Bank paying the bill, Lit & Co. is giving back to those that put others first. “We’re passing it on by providing free candles and gifts to 30 very deserving medical professionals in our community who have been nominated by our customers. I always loved the quote from Fred Rogers – ‘look for the helpers,’ and with Columbia Bank’s support, I am going to help brighten their day.”