Fresh Air Fund seeks host families in Delaware

In recognition of The Fresh Air Fund’s 143rd summer of bringing together New York City children and volunteer host families in Delaware, Gov. John Carney proclaimed March 20 Fresh Air Fund Day. This summer, thousands of volunteer host families will open their homes to children from New York City’s low-income communities, giving them the opportunity to experience summer adventures that can last a lifetime. This year, the Fresh Air Fund is looking for new host families in Delaware.

Fresh Air host parent Jamie said, “It’s such a unique and enriching experience for everyone involved, and we’ve also really built strong ties with the people who run the Fresh Air program in our area. There is a whole community around the Fresh Air Fund.”

Families who participate in the Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program open their hearts and homes to New York City children for one week in the summer.

Fatima Shama, executive director, said, “Anecdotally and in survey results, we have seen that the Fresh Air Fund is as relevant today as it was when it was founded over 140 years ago. As we hear from alumni and connect with long-standing host families, we continue to learn how Fresh Air Fund summers have impacted lives – and continue to transform lives many years later.”

First-time Fresh Air children are boys and girls ages 7 to 12 who live in New York City. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with the Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, nonrofit organization, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children since 1877.

For more information about hosting this summer, call Shirley Weisel at 908-310-6766 or go to www.freshair.org.