The Fund’s Westbrook area volunteer leaders are currently seeking committee members and host families to ensure that summer 2006 is special for New York City children. Each summer, close to 5,000 children, ages six to 18, enjoy two-week vacations with volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities across 13 northeastern states from Maine to Virginia and in Ontario, Canada. Local Fresh air fund volunteers recruit and interview host families, check references and coordinate Friendly Town Program activities in their communities.

Westbrook area volunteers need your help to create another fun-filled summer for children from New York City’s low-income communities, “In Brooklyn, you don’t see a lot of grass,” explains Shanay, a 13-year-old girl from Brooklyn, “There are not too many parks where you can go without your parents being scared.”

In 2006, The Fund continues its 129-year old tradition of serving children with a wide variety of special events and volunteer opportunities. For more information on how you can join your local Fresh air volunteer team, call Suzanne Barr at 885-9840, or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003. You can also learn more about the Friendly Town Program by visiting the Fund’s Website at 222.freshair.org.