SMILES, CHILDREN AND SUPPORT! IT IS AMAZING WHAT LOVE AND CARE CAN DO TO CHANGE LIVES AND BUILD UP FUTURES!

I have recently received news about the Fresh Air ongoing activities in the coming weeks and months of this year. As any ministry surely well knows, there is always an unending flow of opportunities to match donors and recipients, in this case, children from the inner-city environments.

I feel humbled and honored by being asked to pitch in these ministry efforts through spreading out the word about them.

At the same time this has made me meditate about the convergence of thoughts and feelings that abound among the Christians and well intentioned people around the world.

Some by doing, others by talking about it, some more by spreading the good news, me included, form the mighty army of the Lord that has been sent out to fight the battle against pain and hardships.

SOME, by encouraging more and more volunteers to beautify their lives by making possible the changes in lives and the building up of futures.

OTHERS, like me, by spreading the good news of the existence of dedicated souls, adding to them my time, the photos of the flowers of the garden my wife tends so tenderly, and of the children who cross my path showing to me their innocence, their resilience, and their trust that we, adults, will somehow care for them to have a future.

This is the theme and the concept of this video. Enjoy it to the fullness of its content. And then… check what this Fresh Air Fund ministry is all about it, and then, even if repeating myself… do something about it.

Sarah Wilson is telling us WHAT WE CAN DO AND HOW:

Even though it's winter out there we're already counting down to “Summer 2010” and The Fresh Air Fund is always in need of host families. There is always a way in helping to place these inner-city children into a loving host family home for a fresh air experience they will never forget.

I've put together a new social media release to make it simple to repost, so please feel free to use any of the images, graphics, banners, or copy:

http://freshairfundhosts.com/ .


What do Fresh Air children enjoy?
• Playing in the backyard.
• Laughing in the sunshine.
• Catching fireflies.
• Riding bicycles.
• Learning to swim.
• Running barefoot through the grass.
• Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights.
• Building sandcastles.
• Making new friends.
Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city.

On March 21st, the Fresh Air Fund-Racers will take to the streets at the NYC Half-Marathon! Thank you to the Fresh Air Fund-Racers and their supporters for participating in this world class event. You are making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Fresh Air children
We have limited availability for this amazing race. If you would like to run, please register here right away.

Fresh Air Fund Programs.
Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps.

The Friendly Town Program.
Through The Fund’s Friendly Town program, close to 5,000 children visit volunteer host families each summer in rural and suburban communities. Learn More and check:
http://freshairfundhosts.com/ .

Summer Camping for New York City Children.
Each summer, 3,000 children enjoy themselves at one of the five Fresh Air camps in upstate New York. Learn More.

Year Round Programs & Off Season Camping.
Throughout the year, The Fresh Air Fund utilizes its facilities at Sharpe Reservation to offer camping and educational opportunities to a variety of organizations and associations. Learn More.

Career Awareness Program.
The Career Awareness Program focuses on expanding the educational and career options of New York City adolescents. Learn More.

Our History.
The Fresh Air Fund has been serving children from New York City’s

toughest neighborhoods for more than 130 years. Learn More.

Alumni Network.
The Fresh Air Fund is looking for anyone who has participated in our Friendly Town or Summer Camping programs to join our newly created Alumni Network. Learn More.