If you shop at Balducci’s, you know Charlotte.
She’s the 93-year-old woman who works — joyfully, but hard and full-time — as a cashier. (In 2023, she was honored as an “06880” Unsung Hero. Click here for that story.)
Among her many fans is an Instacart shopper named Dan. He writes:
“I deliver groceries for a living, while I’m in the process of looking for a job more aligned with my background. But there must be a bigger reason that I have this job, because it put me in a position to truly bless somebody.
“I pass through Balducci’s several times a week, and I always say hello to Charlotte. She’s so warm and friendly, and always has a positive attitude.
“It breaks my heart to see a 93-year-old woman who reminds me of my grandmother, working so hard at her age.
Charlotte, everyone’s Balducci’s friend.
“I took a video of her and uploaded it to my Facebook profile, alongside a GoFundMe link in case people would want to donate.
“I was fearful that nobody would respond, but hopeful we would raise enough money to give her a nice surprise for the holidays.”
As of yesterday afternoon, over $3,400 was raised. There were many heartwarming messages too.
Dan continues: “I’m filled with gratitude. My faith in humanity has been restored.
“I will present Charlotte with 100% of the donations on Christmas Eve, at 11 a.m.”
Yes, she’s working the day before Christmas.
But — thanks to Charlotte’s many friends and fans — this may be one of the most special, in her nearly full century of life.
(To contribute to Charlotte’s Christmas gift, click here.)
Dan and Dan,
Thanks for sharing!
Happy Holidays
For sure, Charlotte is Balducci’s secret weapon…absent Charlotte,there is absolutely no reason to pay ridiculous prices for generic foods.
I’m in. She is delightful!
Charlotte is a national treasure!
Charlotte is a local gem!
Not so sure about Balducci’s prices/quality. I remember once pointing out to the butcher that all of their organic chickens were at least one day past their best before date and he said to me “I can’t be expected to get them all”
Well, yes actually he can, it’s his job. Appalling!
I love Charlotte. She is a ray of sunshine, regardless of the weather!
Charlotte is a wonderful person. She presents Balducci’s in the best possible light – friendly, smiling and also efficient. She makes the store feel part of a community. And she’s always there with a kind word for each customer.
As we bless her, remember that everyday she sees people says hello and keeps her body moving. we all know now the new 411 on the pitfalls of retiring, Go Charlotte Go!
Dan and Dan-
Thanks for the column Dan, and Dan (contributor)- YOU have reminded us all of the true spirit of the holidays in this generous gift to the amazing Charlie. May 2025 bring you the job you want. I’d hire you on kindness alone!
Charlotte was there when I was working as a cashier in high school in 2006! I am shocked and pleasantly surprised she is still there. We had a lot of fun together up front and she was so kind to me when my mom passed away, I will never forget that. We had a lot of fun chatting, I know in my heart she is still working because it give her a community and she truly loves Westport. Thank you Dan and Dan for doing this!
To Dan the instigator: Please try to have video of when you present Charlotte the gofundme gift.
Thank you for organizing! Charlotte is a gem 💕
It’s incredible to see the community come together to show one of their own such love!
Charlotte is THE reason I shop at Balducci’s! And I get the sense she does not want to retire or anytime soon.