article_snippet.sent: A KAGRO-sponsored annual scholarship program has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in college grants to children growing up in the Baltimore neighborhoods their member retailers serve.
article_snippet.sent: The story highlighted the Lees' openness to the community, their politeness and care for their customers and their outstanding generosity, which includes both free snacks to schoolchildren and the distribution of tens of thousands of free food baskets to needy local families each year.
article_snippet.sent: I spoke with Lee, calling Lee without warning to check on the status of the Lees' four-decade-old business after the violence of Monday and Tuesday.
article_snippet.sent: Oh, of course we're open, we're always open!" said Lee, warmly and brightly.
article_snippet.sent: This week, many customers came in and said to Lee, don't worry you are part of our community, you are our family.
article_snippet.sent: our will make sure you are OK -- just stay open!'
article_snippet.sent: And yet, no one has come and interviewed Lee at their untouched and fully operational family market, nor have their talked with Lee customers, stoutly loyal after 37 years of patronage.