Create summer memories: Host a NYC child
10:18 a.m.
Toolbox
Published: May 16, 2007
Summer vacation, that special time of year for all children, is not far away. Thanks to many families in and around the Capital Region and throughout 13 northeastern states and Canada, close to 5,000 New York City children from low-income neighborhoods enjoy a two-week vacation to the homes of volunteer host families each summer through The Fresh Air Fund. By volunteering as a host family for The Fund’s Friendly Town program, you can help give a child a break from the hot and crowded city streets.
“I got to swim in a lake,” exclaims Marquita, an 11-year-old girl from Brooklyn. “I felt the fish nibbling at my toes!” This year, The Fund needs more host families to celebrate its 131st Anniversary of sharing the joys of suburban and small town life like smelling fresh flowers, casting a fishing pole for the first time, or hearing crickets chirp. The friendships that develop between hosts and their Fresh Air visitors often last a lifetime.
There are no financial requirements for hosting a Fresh Air child. Hosts can select the gender and approximate age of their visitor. First-time visitors are six to 12 years old, and re-invited youngsters may participate in the Friendly Town program through age 18. To learn more about hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, please contact Susan Koch at (802) 223-4218, or call The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. You can also visit The Fund online at www.freshair.org.
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