Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has been providing a respite in the country and suburbs to inner-city children from New York City. At no cost to their families, boys and girls from six to 18 get to experience green trees, rambling rivers, bar-b-ques by the lake, and of course—the fresh air they don’t get much of in the big city.

In 2009, close to 5,000 kids were hosted for up to two weeks by volunteer host families in 13 northeastern states and Canada. The generous hosts often form bonds with their guests, and more than 65% of Fresh Air children are invited to stay with their host families year after year. Fresh Air Fund is all about building relationships.

Host families can be of any size, ethnicity or background. There are no financial requirements, and hosts can request a specific age group and gender for their Fresh Air child guest.

Fresh Air children are six to 12 years old their first year; children can stay in the program through age 18 when re-invited by the same family. Most visits are one or two weeks, but repeat guests can stay for longer visits. Most Fresh Air children are from low-income communities, and families who lack the ability to send them to camp or go on summer vacations together. They often grow up without access to parks or open play areas.

Riding bikes, feeling the grass beneath bare feet or running through the woods are experiences that remain with Fresh Air children for their lifetimes. Host children and Fresh Air children often form friendships that last long beyond childhood.

The Fresh Air Fund also provides summer camp for 3,000 New York City children at five upstate New York camps, other educational opportunities, and a Career Awareness Program for New York City adolescents.

Since 1877, more than 1.7 million inner-city kids have enjoyed summer vacations with host families—all funded through the generosity of thousands of contributors. It’s not too late to sign up to be a host family for 2010. By offering some fresh air and simple fun to an inner-city child, your family could have a life-changing experience, too.