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.[/caption]

In June 1931 a committee of Crisfield citizens made it their goal “to entertain 100 Fresh Air children” from New York City during the summer, showing them all the positive attributes of this “Friendly Town.”

Eighty-five years later, The Fresh Air Fund is still in operation, with nearly 4,000 NYC children visiting suburban, rural and small towns along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine and Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the non-profit is again looking for host families willing to give a youngster the extra special gift of friendship this year.

“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 Shirley Weisel at 908-310-6766 or visit The Fresh Air Fund at www.freshair.org.