AUBURN – Local residents still have an opportunity to host a Fresh Air child from New York City this summer.

Families throughout 13 Northeastern states and Canada have hosted more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods for summer vacations in suburban and small town communities through the Fresh Air Fund.

The fund is seeking more families in the area to give inner-city children a two-week vacation this summer. By volunteering to host for the fund’s Friendly Town program, families can help give a child a break from the heat and noise of the city streets.

“You appreciate what you have when you watch the children’s joy that comes from doing things they normally would not be able to do in the city,” said a Fresh Air host.

This year, the fund needs more host families to carry on its 132nd summer tradition of sharing the joys of suburban and small town life. The friendships that develop between hosts and their Fresh Air visitors often last a lifetime.

There are no financial requirements for hosting a Fresh Air child. Hosts can select the gender and approximate age of their visitor. First-time visitors are age 6 to 12, and reinvited youngsters may participate in the Friendly Town Program through age 18.

To learn more about hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, contact Marie Camillo-Reimensnyder at 926-3557, call the Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003 or visit www.freshair.org.