BALTIMORE, Md. — On a day when schools are closed, kid’s laughter still fills the halls.
The small voices drifting from the school cafeteria, and cafeteria manager Miss Angie was there just like any other day, preparing breakfast and lunch.
"Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, we have it all," said Miss Angie.
Cherry Hill Elementary Middle School stayed open on Wednesday to serve the community. It was one of four schools and a number of recreational centers ensuring kids didn't go hungry on a snow day.
"Some kids don’t get a meal and they need to be able to go somewhere safe and get a meal with their peers where they feel they’re in a safe environment and they know that we care," explained Miss Angie.
Miss Angie says on these days they only see around 20 kids, and they want to spread the message that all are welcome. The families say it’s added relief knowing they don’t have to drive in the snowy conditions two miles to the closest grocery store.
"Especially out here, we don’t have a market, it’s hard for people to get out to go to the grocery store so just opening schools just so they have somewhere to sit and eat is a big deal," said parent Ebony Lloyd.
Lloyd brought by her two daughters and said she borrowed her sister’s car in case of an emergency, but the kids were actually excited to go to school.
"We want to make sure they’re getting a healthy meal," explained the Assistant Principal at Cherry Hill Elementary Middle School. "It’s good for their brain, it’s good for their education, and we want them to know that we love them and that all of our students belong here."
And it's satisfying for students as well as gratifying for staff.
"I grew up in Cherry Hill, so they are part of me, they’re a reflection of me, they are our future, they’re our future, the kids are our future," said Miss Angie. "You know I'm coming in for the kids, it's all for the kids, I love the kids."
The following schools were open on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to serve breakfast and lunch.
1. City Neighbors Hamilton, 5609 Sefton Ave.
2. Franklin Square, 1400 W. Lexington St.
3. Cherry Hill, 801 Bridgeview Rd.
4. Maree G. Farring, 300 Pontiac Ave.
In addition to the schools, each of the city's 43 recreational centers were also open at 10 a.m.
To see a full list of recreation center locations, click here.
