Kin of Baltimore

Baltimore has many faults and flaws in its society; but none can be more cruel and realistic than the crisis of child poverty. I witnessed this firsthand in the last few days of August with my fellow peers through the ALANA program, a group on campus whose main agenda is representing the minority committee in the Baltimore area. Throughout this program, many activities invited us to work together as students to gain a better knowledge of Loyola College and what it has to offer the Baltimore City area. Yet, on a special volunteer day most thought to be tedious and tiresome turned out to be pleasurable and engaging all at once.

The day began with morning assignments that we would be getting into the city and helping Baltimore’s very own in various ways. Some were assigned to various food pantries such as “Beans and Bread.” Others were sent to other areas of Baltimore that volunteer work seemed to be a necessity. My friends and I were assigned to watch after a toddlers in a children’s center in a under established environment. I was anticipating this all morning. I love working with children at young ages such as this. A person has such power to leave a standing oppression for these youngsters to gain a respectable knowledge. I have been working in children programs for six years; however nothing prepared me for such a reality as we walked through those doors.

The toddlers, ranging from ages three to five, were the cutest little bunch one would ever lay eyes on. They quickly took us to the backroom and explained how things worked. These children were of very low income families. The center provides a shelter for them during the day so their parents can go out and look for stable jobs and forms of occupation. All these kids were not even part of stable families. Many were bussed here by orphan programs sponsored by the State of Maryland. After receiving such grim news, we were told that our presence makes a huge difference and how a familiar face may help these kids in many ways. After talking, we were all welcomed to start activities with the younger ones, whether it was through arts and craft, outdoor games, computer exercises, or just reading to them. While all this surrounded me, I could not help but feel overwhelmed. These were truly great kids. Why must there live be so hard?

After receiving word our departure was at hand, we slowly said our goodbyes and made our way to the door. As we left, the kids began to eat lunch. Few said goodbye, but it did not matter. In the back of my mind, I knew that once that door closed they would not remember our faces. The ride back to campus was quite. I think we all achieved some sense of satisfaction and disgust from that experience. But this is reality. We got to taste a piece of that Baltimore pie we heard some much about. Poverty surrounds this city and few chose to do much about it. Baltimore’s living conditions have decreased so much throughout this era and the ones affected most are the children. Remaining in broken homes and services, the kids will most likely never grow to be their full potential. The disadvantages they hold are pulling them down. Poverty is a huge part of Baltimore living. Fighting such a travesty will take numbers of help, but the fight is necessary. To sit idly by as the children of Baltimore suffer is to sit and allow our own to endure what they should not have to. This event has notified me that poverty is well and existent in our very own backyard. What will we do to help?