By Erin McCarthy, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA — Angela Gardin looked at the colorful handwritten thank-you notes, taped to a front window of the Queen Village Rite Aid, and began to cry. Gardin has been assistant manager there for the past two years.

One note scrawled in pink, read: “Everyone who works here is so kind. I have always been greeted with a smile and warmth.”

“Thank you for all the treats,” read another, signed with a paw print (from a neighborhood dog named Grandpa, Gardin explained). A child wrote with clumsy handwriting: “I’m really going to miss this Rite Aid because I used to get snacks here before school.”

“This place has been a staple in the community,” added another customer, “because of the amazing people who have worked here.”

On a recent weekday

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