Fresh Air Volunteer Team Already Organizing For Summer

DANBURY — The Fresh Air Fund’s Danbury area committee is currently preparing for summer 2009 and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their New York City visitors. To ensure that this summer is special for Fresh Air children, The Fund is seeking volunteer members and host families to sign up now.

Each summer, close to 5,000 New York City children, ages 6 to 18, enjoy two-week vacations with volunteer host families in suburban and rural communities across 13 Northeastern states and Canada. Local Fresh Air Fund volunteers recruit and interview host families, arrange travel, and coordinate fun activities in their communities.

As one host parent explains, “Hosting has inspired me to volunteer for The Fund in other capacities to help guarantee the program’s success in our area. My family has been so grateful for the relationship we have with our Fresh Air child!”

In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund celebrates its 133rd summer of bare feet, sandcastles, and starry nights for children from some of New York City’s low-income communities. It only takes one conversation with a child to realize the impact of a Fresh Air experience.

“We were on a walk, and I saw a wild snapping turtle! It was so cool because I don’t get to see many animals in the wild,” remembers 8-year-old Brittney of Queens.

For more information on how you can join your local Fresh Air volunteer team, call Diana Simmons at 203-982-3999, or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003. Or visit The Fund’s website at FreshAir.org.