Christmas came a day early for Charlotte.
The 93-year-old Balducci’s cashier — perhaps the most beloved store clerk in Westport — was honored by several dozen people this morning, for her warm smile, her kind words, and her long service to generations of shoppers. (She began in the bakery, back in the Hay Day days.)
There was a brief speech. There were flowers.
And there was a check.
Boy, was there a check!
In just 3 days, grateful customers responded to a social media post by one of her biggest fans: Instacart driver Dan Frank.
Charlotte, with her $28,950 check.
Donations poured in from all over town — and beyond. Current and former customers and former colleagues contributed, from across the country.
Some gave a few dollars. An anonymous donor sent $3,000. All added best wishes, and love.
The total came to a whopping $28,950.
The ceremony began as Charlotte left her register, and was escorted to a chair near the back.
“What did I do wrong?” she asked mischievously.
Dan Frank spoke for many.
“I come here for work several days a week,” he said.
“I come in thinking about my own needs. But every interaction with you lifts me up. You make every day better.”
Growing emotional, he continued, “Charlotte, you have an extraordinary impact on people.”
He handed her a large copy of the large check, “with love and gratitude.”
“I love everyone!” Charlotte replied. “I love you all.”
An overflow crowd honors Charlotte.
Someone in the crowd began singing, “For she’s a jolly good fellow.”
Dozens of voices joined in.
“This is the best way to give back,” Dan concluded.
Dan Frank thanks Charlotte.
Enjoying the warm glow in the cold air, Charlotte’s friends and admirers agreed.
Still, they knew, there was no way — even with a check — they could ever repay what she has given them, with a simple smile day after day, year after year, in her very special grocery store checkout line.
One 93-year-old honors another.
The woman of the hour (day) (year). (All photos/Ryan Allen)