Patch: Forest Hills Business and Church Join Forces to Host Chocolate-Co

Patch: Forest Hills Business and Church Join Forces to Host Chocolate-Co | March 2021: For the love of sweet treats, great bargains, and a nonprofit that provides social services at 32 Queens sites in 14 neighborhoods, two historic Forest Hills agencies will host a special fundraiser from Monday, March 22, through Friday, March 26.

Aigner Chocolates, which has operated at 103-02 Metropolitan Ave. since 1930, will donate 20 percent of all internet and in-store sales during those five days to the Queens Community House. There’s one hitch. Patrons have to indicate that they want their purchases to be part of The Church-in-the-Gardens fundraiser. (The Ascan Avenue religious institution frequently spearheads community-benefit efforts, such as blood and holiday gift drives.)

Aigner is currently owned by Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner, who bought the three-generation, family-run confectionary in 2015. They’ve maintained the same original Austrian recipes and cooking procedures with a few improvements and upgrades. They create all kinds of chocolate (i.e. dark, white, milk) in various forms (i.e. truffles, clusters, cordials) with an emphasis on mixing with nuts, creams, and fillings. They also do plenty of novelty items and non-chocolate treats such as licorice, gummi bears, and fruit slices.

Since Easter is in early April, Aigner will offer a wide array of chocolate bunnies, eggs, and gift baskets during the fundraiser. Click here for the website or visit the store which is open seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm. (Remember to mention The Church-in-the-Gardens!)

Queens Community House, which was founded as the Forest Hills Community House in 1975, offers such programs as childcare, afterschool education, homelessness prevention, immigrant services, and home delivery of meals throughout the borough. The agency also runs community and senior centers in various neighborhoods.

Click here for the article.