Don't forget the fresh air fund!

As New Yorkers, we'd like to believe the city offers everything, but let's face it, NYC isn't so strong on the nature front with some very notable exceptions. The Fresh Air Fund, which like every other local charity has been hit hard by the economic downturn, has help 1.7 million kids enjoy a summer vacation in a rural or suburban setting. I think anything that teaches kids respect for nature (and animals) can only help pets, who all too often are abandoned or worse by adults who obviously never learned these simple lessons. Anyway, this is all a very round about way of asking you to donate or, if you live in the tri-state area, volunteer as a host family.