Commack Family Hosts Summer Getaway for NYC Kids

Nothing beats doing a cannon ball into a swimming pool on a hot, summer day – just ask Kimora and Tamika, two girls from New York City, who have spent the past four summers with the Coles, a Commack family.

The Coles have spent each summer with Kimora and Tamika for the past four years through The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program, in which children from low-income communities in New York City spend their summer vacations with a family in the suburbs.

“When I was younger, I spent every summer in the Catskills and had a fun time. I understood the life-changing impact of being outdoors and I feel like it’s a good opportunity for someone else,” said Betty Cole.”

Cole said that she read an article in a local paper about the host program five years ago. “After reading more about the program, I knew my family would enjoy it,” she said.

Initially, the Coles hosted Kimora, of Brooklyn in 2007. Then, in 2010, they began inviting a second Fresh Air child, Tamika, of Manhattan to their home.  

“My daughter Rachel is the same age as Kimora and Tamika. They all get along like they are sisters,” Cole said. “One night, I saw them downstairs cuddled together under a blanket, drinking hot cocoa and giggling. You would think it was winter!”

Tamika said that she especially enjoys getting unlimited pool time in the Cole’s backyard. “I don’t get to swim too much at home because I live in an apartment complex. At the Coles, we get to swim every day!”

Cole said that initially her family would schedule events to do with their Fresh Air children, such as take them out to the movies or go bowling. “I found out that they’re not looking to run from place to place every day, they want to do things that they don’t usually do in their own communities. They enjoy riding bikes, taking walks, and just enjoying the outdoors,” she said.

Kimora has been visiting the Coles since she was 6 years old and has made long-lasting memories at their home.

“One of my first memories was when they taught me how to swim in their pool,” she said. “I also remember them throwing a birthday party for me.”

“I love going there and sitting around the fire because we share stories, play games and listen to the family play guitar. I loved when we all sang ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” she added.

The Coles keep in touch with both of their Fresh Air children throughout the off-season, as well. “We call each other every so often, talk through Facebook, and the girls even mail me pictures that I have in my wallet. We’ve developed a relationship that has gone beyond someone that just comes to visit,” Cole said.

To learn more about how to become a host family in Commack, contact Michelle Coburn-Thompson, the local volunteer leader for the Suffolk West area, at 631-979-3937 or visit The Fresh Air Fund online at www.freshair.org.