Open your Heart and Home to a Fresh Air child this Valentine's Day

Fresh Air child Melissa (left), of Brooklyn, has been visiting Kayla Ringler (right) and her family since 2009. “It’s a great experience. As a host family, we have learned just as much as Melissa takes back with her. We have learned a lot about Melissa’s culture and it’s a very educating experience on both sides. It’s just a lot of fun,” Diane Ringler said.

Diane Ringler

Posted Wednesday, February 3, 2016 12:00 am

Families find hosting so rewarding that most Fresh Air children are invited to visit the same host families year after year.”

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special for your family and give them the gift of friendship with a Fresh Air child! Each summer, nearly 4,000 New York City children visit suburban, rural and small town communities along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine and Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program. This summer, join volunteer host families in Rhode Island who open their hearts and homes to New York City children.

“These are experiences that Esmen will remember for the rest of his life. We hope to be a part of his life for years to come,” said Fresh Air host parent Christine.

Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from seven to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are seven to 12 years old and stay for one or two weeks. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips. Families find hosting so rewarding that most Fresh Air children are invited to visit the same host families year after year. Through the eyes of Fresh Air children, families often rediscover the beauty of their own communities.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. For more information on hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, please contact Jeanne Hagberg at 401-524-8960 or visit The Fresh Air Fund at www.freshair.org.