"In the city, you have to think about what is going to happen around the next street corner. In the woods, you walk with a group of friends and counselors. You don't even think about city problems."

These are the words of one of the 10,000 New York City kids from some of the toughest neighborhoods who, thanks to the Fresh Air Fund, get to experience a summer vacation at a host family's home or one of Fresh Air Funds camps. By getting involved with this charity you could change a child's life forever.

The kids stay at homes in small town communities and suburbs in over 13 states from Virginia to Main and Canada and at Fresh Air's sprawling 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York.

The Fund was started by a Pennsylvanian! In 1877 Reverend Willard Parsons, a minister in a rural Parish in Sherman, PA asked his congregation to open their homes and hearts to provide country vacations to city youth.

You can give a child an experience of a lifetime by making a donation, volunteering your time, or opening up your home. Think of the new perspective, friendships, and unforgettable memories you would be helping to create!

More than 65% of all children are re invited to stay with their host family, year after year.

Please donate today and think about becoming a host family. There is no such thing as a "typical" host family. If you have room in your home - and your heart - to host a child, you could be one too.