This summer several local families hosted children through the Fresh Air Fund, a non profit organization which places children from NYC in the country. The program gives inner city children the opportunity to experience life away from hot city streets. Just imagine a 6-12 year old child who has never run through a sprinkler in the grass, taken a dog for a walk around the block, or seen all the stars on a clear night. What an experience it would be to visit New England.
Daniele Sar, an Upton Daily reader, hosted a boy from Brooklyn, NY
This was our third visit with our friend from Brooklyn. He fits right in with our family. We hiked Rattlesnake in NH, went to a RI beach for the day, and did some boating. It’s always hard saying goodbye because he is like a brother to my kids and I treat him like a son. The first year he came he called me “host mom” and last year he began calling me mom. With all the social networking available the kids are now able to stay in touch and communicate throughout the year with ease. He’s a keeper and we will continue to welcome him back and open his eyes to the beauty of New England and more importantly, “Fresh Air!” The group picture with me is when he was about to get on the bus to go home.
If you hosted a child this summer and would like to share some photos or memories please email jennupton@yahoo.com
If you would like to join us in hosting a child (age 6-12) in your home for 1-2 weeks this summer please contact our local Blackstone Valley Chairperson, Geri Fogg, at 508-372-9064/geri.fogg@friendlytown.org or visit freshair.org.
UPTON DAILY 