Delegate Ruth Kirk (Courtesy Photo)
The late Honorable Delegate Ruth M. Kirk was an icon in the Sandtown-Winchester community, bringing much appreciated services and resources to people in need. After her passing, her son, Arthur Kirk opened and began operating the Ruth M. Kirk Recreation and Learning Center and Community Garden in her honor.
The late Delegate and Art Kirk are being honored by Senior Services Commissioner Sarah Matthews on Monday, January 18 as a Day of Service from 8 am to noon at the center, 122 N. Vincent Street, Baltimore, MD.
Art Kirk secured the property from the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and spent his personal finances to open and provide food, clothing, PPE, water and other resources including:
- an after school program where children receive a meal and assistance with their homework,
- 1,000 computers to local elementary schools and older adults,
- an annual coat drive which has donated more than 5,000 coats to children, adults, and seniors,
- and hot meals for children and boxes of fresh produce for parents (more than 385 food boxes are distributed weekly).
The center provides horseback riding for youth and thanks to the generosity of Governor Larry Hogan, the gift of a new baby grand piano which will allow children to receive free piano lessons at the center.