On July 3, a local family meet their Fresh Air child, from New York City, in the Norwich McDonald's parking lot.
Summer vacation, that special time of year for all children, is upon us and you still have the chance to make it memorable for a child from New York City! Thanks to the many families in the Southeastern CT area and throughout 13 Northeastern states and Canada, more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods experienced free summer vacations in suburban and small town communities through The Fresh Air Fund. The Fund is currently seeking more families to give inner-city children a two-week experience this summer. By volunteering as a host family for The Fund’s Friendly Town program, you can help give a child a break from the heat and noise of the crowded city streets.
“Summer would not be the same without our Fresh Air child,” says a Fresh Air host. “We use that time to be together as a family and enjoy the simple things, like swimming, barbequing and watching the stars at night.”
This year, The Fund needs more host families to carry on its 133rd summer tradition of sharing the joys of suburban and small town life like smelling fresh flowers or casting a fishing pole for the first time. 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. First-time visitors are six to twelve 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 Raymond Cormier at 860.887.6559, or call The Fresh Air Fund at 800.367.0003. You can also visit The Fund’s website at www.freshair.org.
