Chrissy Edmondson, a single mother, burst into tears when talking about her job at HTD Cleaning Services.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a family,” Edmondson said.

Edmondson, a transplant from Fort Lauderdale, was overjoyed to find a job that worked with her schedule and paid to train and certify her as a cleaner. A more personal reason also touched her deeply.

The cleaning service, which has been operating for around five years, also gives back to the community by partnering with Cleaning for a Reason, a national organization that pairs cleaning services with cancer patients. HTD Cleaning, like other companies across the nation, provides free housecleaning services to the patients, who register through cleaningforareason.org.

Edmondson’s parents both passed away due to cancer.

“You understand what they are going through, for that awful disease — I’ve been there,” Edmondson said. “It means a lot… and oh my God, who does all of this — bends over backwards for their employees, grows their business, and still finds ways to give back?”

The answer is Suzi Virgilio, a former corrections officer. Virgilio began supplementing her retirement income with her own form of therapy — cleaning. What began as a few homes in her neighborhood has morphed into a business with nine employees.

While all of the employees gushed about the work environment that prioritizes its employees — Edmondson calling it “the best job” she’s ever had — it’s the community outreach that embodies the ethos of the company.

“I know how important any help is when you’re going through cancer treatment,” Virgilio said. “They’ve been through enough.”

Virgilio and her team also partner with The Neighborhood Center in DeLand, stuffing backpacks with healthful snacks for kids in need.

“I am speaking from pure conviction,” Virgilio said. “I have been blessed by God, and as a result I want to help others.”

Virgilio urges other cleaning businesses to partner with Cleaning for a Reason. While HTD Cleaning Services covers DeLand, Orange City, Deltona, DeBary, and other nearby areas, the more cleaning services that participate, the more people who can be helped.

“There is plenty of business for everyone,” Virgilio added.

HTD Cleaning Services is located at 1412 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. They can be reached Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 386-643-9119, or visit htdcleaningservices.com.