Westport is a community with a heart. Many merchants go out of their way to help worthy causes, large and small.
Aarti Khosla takes that idea one step further.
Literally.
For years, the owner of Le Rouge — the fantastic downtown artisan chocolate shop — has brought a little love into her devoted customers’ lives.
Now — in honor of Valentine’s Day — she’s launching a “Give a Little Love” campaign. The idea is for all of us to share love, during these trying times.
Stop in at her store (190 Main Street, just below the old Sally’s Place) any time, starting today. Pick up a hand-painted chocolate heart for $5 (a great price!). Her only request is that you share these hearts with unsuspecting folks in our community: a school custodian. Your favorite Trader Joe’s checkout clerk. The gas station guy who fills your tires and refuses money. A stranger at the Senior Center.
The hand-painted chocolate hearts that Aarti hopes we’ll pass along.
These random acts of kindness are “our way of showing we’re a loving community,” Aarti says.
She should know. As a 1st-generation immigrant, she understands firsthand the importance of feeling welcomed.
As a business owner, she considers giving back to the community a privilege.
And as a citizen, she recognizes the value our individual differences bring to our towns. After living around the world, this is her home.
Aarti Khosla, in her red-and-black-themed chocolate shop.
Aarti hopes you’ll take a photo of the moment you “Give a Little Love.” Then email it to lerouge.aarti@gmail.com. She’ll mount those photos as a “Wall of Love” in her cafe, celebrating our broad and loving community.
“Too often, our differences appear insurmountable,” she explains. “This year, these differences will become our strengths.”
Aarti has other heart-felt plans. She’ll give dozens of Le Rouge chocolate hearts to organizations in Westport, Weston, Norwalk, Bridgeport and surrounding communities. It’s one more way to show that “love matters.”
In the coming weeks, Aarti will open early on weekends. She invites anyone to come and actually make chocolate hearts with her, to give out.
Finally, Aarti will donate 10 percent from the sale of items in this “Give a Little Love” campaign to charity. She’ll honor a different organization each month. Aarti is in this for the long haul.
Which causes will benefit? Aarti wants you to choose. Just click “Comments” below to nominate your favorite. Or stop in to the store, and tell her personally.
February is the shortest month of the year. Thanks to Aarti Khosla, this year it will be the most loving too.
Another piece of Le Rouge love.