November is National Adoption Month and, as part of that celebration, World Adoption Day falls on November 9 and National Adoption Day falls on November 23, just before Thanksgiving.

According to https://worldadoptionday.org/, World Adoption Day “is a day to celebrate family. #WorldAdoptionDay is a day to raise awareness for adoption. #WorldAdoptionDay is a day to raise funds to support families in their adoption.”

Last year, 4,000 adoptions were finalized National Adoption Day, according to National Today. Some of those adoptions benefited the foster community, while others were direct adoptions.

While most people are not in a position to adopt, there are ways to participate in this national month. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption suggests that those who can adopt or foster children in need, but there are other options. Some people may want to purchase swag from their site because the money goes to help with their foundation and getting children adopted. Others may choose to fundraise, through various methods and with the help of other organizations. Finally, an easy way to support adoption is simply to donate money, and the website makes that easy.

Why should people care, especially when so many are struggling this year? “More than 120,000 children are waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. Because of the trauma that they have experienced, or their circumstances while in care, these youth often have acute health conditions, increasing their risk of contracting COVID-19,” the website says. “Your donation will help ensure that no child faces this crisis or any other without the support of a loving, permanent family.”

Family is very important and in November we can celebrate the creation and development of those who have benefited from adoption and foster care.