AUGUSTA — In recognition of The Fresh Air Fund’s 139th summer of bringing together New York City children and volunteer host families in Maine, Gov. Paul LePage has recognized March 20 as “Fresh Air Fund Day.”

This summer, The Fresh Air Fund will once again allow thousands of inner-city boys and girls to escape the hot, noisy New York City streets to enjoy the simple joys of summertime fun in the country.

Families who participate in The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program open their hearts and homes to New York City children in the summer.

Families find hosting so rewarding that more than 65 percent of all Fresh Air children are invited to visit the same host families year after year. First-time Fresh Air visitors are six to 12 years old.

For more information about hosting this summer, call Katrina Cash-Staley at 583-7609 or visit The Fresh Air Fund at www.freshair.org.