Just be cause

By Kristen Hampshire

Local charities often benefit from Mellow Monkey’s bold presence. “We’re heavily involved in supporting the community,” says owner Howard Aspinwall.

The store stages events to support nonprofits ranging from PTAs to Nourish Bridgeport, when customers could donate during a Bridge the SNAP Gap Food Drive at the store. Mellow Monkey holds drives to collect school supplies in the fall and holiday gifts for Christmas.

Aspinwall has taken charge of promoting other Stratford small businesses, including helping launch Shop Small Shop Stratford Saturday.

He hands out cards to promote his store featuring a QR code. “If you found this hidden gem, scan this to see other places you probably don’t know about,” he says.