To the editor:

The Fresh Air Fund looks forward to celebrating National Volunteer Week, which is from April 7-13 this year. It is an opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our inspiring volunteers, hosts and supporters in Hampton Roads.

The Fresh Air Fund’s programs would not be possible without the commitment of our dedicated volunteers, many of whom are also host families, who serve on committees, interview prospective host families, publicize the program and plan summer activities. Additionally, individuals and local businesses give generously of their time and resources to make The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program a great success throughout Hampton Roads each summer.

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. We have learned that a summer can last a lifetime.

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. First-time Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from 7 to 12 years old, who live in New York City. Children who are re-invited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips.

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Kirsten Domingo, at kirsten.domingo@vbschools.com or visit www.freshair.org.

 

Fatima Shama

Executive Director, The Fresh Air Fund