The Kurtz family of Altoona eagerly awaited the arrival of D'Shaun, a 9-year-old from the Bronx, N.Y., who was on his way to spend time away from the big city.
When the bus pulled into the parking lot at Valley View Park Friday afternoon, the family was ready with a sign reading, "Welcome D'Shaun."
"Are you D'Shaun?" Jody Kurtz asked, bending at the waist to embrace the boy and diffuse an awkward moment.
The Kurtz family and D'Shaun were on foreign territory, both participating for the first time in the Fresh Air Fund program this summer. The program gives New York City youths the opportunity for summer vacations away from the city in northeastern states.
"We've just wanted to share our family," Jody said about her husband, Tom; sons, Jacob and Nathan; and daughter, Abbie.
The Kurtz family said they plan to go to Penn State's Ag Progress Days and Lakemont Park during D'Shaun's visit.
Last summer, Kristine Yarnell welcomed 12-year-old Shaina, who lives in an apartment in Harlem, to her family's 4,400-square-foot home on 14 acres in Ogletown, Somerset County.
She was waiting Friday for Shaina, who was coming back for a second year.
''I couldn't believe such a good kid could come from Harlem,'' Yarnell said. ''They have it rough there.''
The Yarnell family also welcomed a second child, 12-year-old Destiny.
''I'm excited,'' first-time Fresh Air kid Destiny said.
Shaina said she likes the program and is looking forward the most to eating gobs this summer.
Lindy Hillings, a Fresh Air Fund Altoona Committee member, said her neighbors hosted a Fresh Air kid when she was young, and she first opened her home to a child four years ago.
She said paperwork and background checks for host families begin in February and March.
She said the program matches children with families interested in similar activities, and Fresh Air kids are referred to the program through hundreds of organizations.
''There's always, always more children than homes,'' Hillings said.
For more information on Fresh Air Kids, visit www.freshair.org.
