The Fresh Air program is seeking host families in St. Lawrence County.

Thousands of volunteer host families in rural, suburban, and small town communities along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine and Southern Canada open their homes to New York City children from low-income communities through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free and enriching summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children since 1877.

Host families open their homes to children who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a summer away from New York City. Fresh Air children experience simple pleasures like running barefoot through the grass, swimming in a cool lake, and gazing at star-filled skies.

“The first year, our Fresh Air visitor Hannah learned to ride a bike. Last summer, we taught her to swim and this summer, she wants to be brave enough to jump off the diving board. The best part of having Hannah here is seeing our life through someone else's perspective. The simple things mean so much,” Angela, a Fresh Air host.

For more information contact Earline LaFleur at 315-528-2700 or visit The Fresh Air Fund at www.freshair.org.