On Oct. 29 our business at 31 Denton Avenue, New Hyde Park and all of the delicious treats that we have prepared were destroyed by fire. For the first time in 60 years, Schwartz Candies will not be delivering holiday candy to our wonderful customers and friends.

Many of you have expressed care and concern for our well-being. We could not be more touched or grateful. That our customers are so affected by our loss reminds us that we provide something valued and appreciated.

We are now in the process of rebuilding in order to carry on the legacy of candy-making that started six decades ago by Al Schwartz. The excitement stirred by our 60th Jubilee gives us added vim and vigor to continue our long, sweet tradition. We are working as hard as ever to reopen our business and hope our loyal customers will be there to greet us.

Schwartz Candies is not a catalog or a manufacturing space. It is a family and a life. We are proud of the product we offer you because we put our heart and soul into it. The chocolate-covering of the next marshmallow and the wrapping of holiday gifts are moments to which we eagerly look forward.

We wish you every joy of the holiday season and hope that it is sweet despite the absence of our candies. Thank you for your past patronage and for your support in this difficult time. We will contact you in advance of our reopening.

Rhoda Schwartz Baskoff and Ira S. Baskoff