This winter I posted information about The Fresh Air Fund. I’m hoping the post reached some of you and hoping to spread the word again. The Fresh Air Fund allows boys and girls who live in the city and range in age from six to 18 the opportunity to breath fresh air and experience something they will never forget. According to The Fresh Air Fund the majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes. I know some of my most memorable times growing up and still today include the great outdoors, it’s sad to think that not all kids have the opportunity to enjoy the smell of fresh air.
Summer is upon us and The Fresh Air Fund is in need of host families. Host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities, There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host for up to two week.
“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…” stated one host family. “We made s’mores and hot dogs over the fire. I’ve never cooked outside before!” stated a fresh air child.
If you’re interested in giving a child the chance to experience life outside concrete, sirens, and smog check out The Fresh Air Child’s website and sign up.
