By Dana DeMercurio
November is a time for giving thanks; a time to count your blessings and to give back to friends, family, and your community for their love, generosity, and support. What better way to do so than to help a child in need this holiday season.
This November marks the 14th Annual National Adoption Awareness Month. Each year, the President issues a proclamation that raises awareness of the more than 100,000 children in need of a loving and permanent home in their state.
Organizations around the country, including those in Puerto Rico and Guam, join together to help raise awareness and to make the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with practitioners, advocates and policymakers to finalize adoptions and celebrate the coming together of families through the process.
While the entire month is set aside for awareness, the Saturday before Thanksgiving is recognized at National Adoption Day. This November 23rd will be the nation’s 14th Annual Adoption Day, and communities across the country celebrate by honoring adoptive families and building collaborations between local adoption agencies and advocacy organizations.
Since its inception, National Adoption Day has helped nearly 44,000 children move to a forever family. According to NationalAdoptionDay.org, nearly 4,500 children moved out of the foster care system and into permanent homes last year alone. They hope to exceed that number this November 23rd, and they need your help to do so.
Getting involved with local adoption agencies and encouraging the citizens in your community to also raise awareness is one of many steps you can take to help ensure a child gets adopted this holiday season. Whether organizing a small event or helping others tell their success stories about adoption, give back this November by helping a foster child in need.
Would you like to help spread the word about National Adoption Awareness Month? Visit www.childwelfare.gov or www.nationaladoptionday.org to find activities in your city, and how you can help change a child’s life.
