Friendly Town Summer Stories

The Fresh Air Fund isn’t about a house with a backyard or a camping trip or summer vacation — it’s about the people involved. It’s about the bonds they create, the emotions they share and the stories they take away.

Through some notebooks, a few disposable cameras and the cooperation of some great families, we were able to capture those Fresh Air Fund stories from the perspectives of everyone involved — from the host families to The Fresh Air Fund children themselves.

What was the first day like? The trips? The barbecues? Who was happy, homesick or excited? Flip through Summer Stories from 2007 and 2008 to see what The Fresh Air Fund is all about.

The Sabold Family

Seven-year-old Mya Martinez has only spent two summers with her host family, Marcia and Michael Sabold of East Berlin, PA, and yet she already feels like she is a part of the family...

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The Van Horn Family

According to Dana and Craig Van Horn, the reason behind their involvement in The Fresh Air Fund is simple. "I have been involved in the Fresh Air program basically all of my life." Dana states...

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The Macey Family

The Macey family of Crown Point, NY has looked forward to welcoming 10-year-old Chad Stephens into their home each summer since 2006...

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The DePhillips Family

The past two summers for nine-year-old Tatyana Gonzalez of New York City have been very special, but not because she was out of school...

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The Shaak Family

For four years, the Shaak family has welcomed Keyaira McCorley into their home, strengthening a relationship with a very special girl...

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The Fishbein Family