We think of many charities at the holidays but what seems to slip our mind are the children out there who are looking for families and a place to call home. They have one thing on their Christmas…… A Home! A home that they can unpack their suitcase only need to bring it out when they go on family vacation!

For more information on how you can help, go to: adoptuskids.org

 

 

Meet Alexxus– Alexxus, 15, is a funny, mature, and well-spoken teen. A good student, Alexxus is well liked by her peers and teachers at school, where she earns As and Bs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Charlie and Rex– Charlie, 15, is happiest when spending time with his brother or studying dinosaurs. Rex, 12, is described as “witty, smart, and quite the little ham!”

 

 

 

 

 

In the spirit of giving back and thinking of those less fortunate, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AdoptUSKids and the Ad Council are unveiling a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) today designed to continue to encourage the adoption of children from foster care with an emphasis on the importance of keeping siblings together.

Since the launch of the campaign in 2004, more than 22,000 children who were once photo-listed on the AdoptUSKids website are now with their adoptive families and over 35,000 families have registered to adopt through AdoptUSKids.

There are currently 402,000 children in the foster care system in the United States of America and nearly 102,000 children (under 18 years of age) waiting for adoption. Approximately 23% of children and youth actively photolisted on the AdoptUSKids website and waiting for placement in adoptive homes were registered with one or more siblings. Sibling relationships are often the longest-lasting relationships for children in foster care.

“Adopting Deanta and Ranija is the most important thing that I have done in my life,” said Raenell Crenshaw, an adoptive parent who adopted her two children out of foster care, “I am so glad that my husband and I were able to keep them together. Having a brother or sister is such an influential and life-defining relationship. I want to encourage all prospective parents to think about the importance of keeping siblings together. I am so happy that I welcomed them both into our family.”