As the newly appointed Friendly Town Chairperson for the Lower Lehigh Valley area, I'm in an active search for volunteers who would like to learn more about the Fresh Air Fund.

This is a private, non-profit organization that's been around since the late 1800s that offers inner-city children from NYC an opportunity to stay with host families in surrounding suburban and rural areas. The goal is for the kids to have a vacation full of 'fresh air'. The visits are for 10 days during the summer. Transportation expenses are paid for by the FAF. Children arrive on buses in Hellertown so there's no need to go into NYC.

Children who participate are between the ages of 6-12. Host families do not have to have children of their own in their homes, but it is always fun when they do. Some young couples like to do it before they have children. Some couples decide to do it after their kids have left for college.

My family hosted an 8 year old boy last summer and had an amazing experience. We'd love to tell you more about the opportunity. It's extremely rewarding, not just for the FAF child, but also for the host families.

Please email me for more information. There are also other ways to volunteer that don't require you to host a child in your home. You can help by spreading the word, participating in fund-raising activities and/or helping to coordinate families with kids when they arrive in our area.