KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The 17th Circuit Court is preparing for its 28th annual Adoption Day on Dec. 5, a special event where children are officially welcomed into their forever families.
In addition to the ceremony, the court is calling on the community to donate stuffed animals to give to the adopted children as they begin their journey with their new family.
Judge Patricia Gardner, who has presided over Adoption Day for much of her career, said it's the highlight of her role.
"Being able to sign an adoption order and help create a forever family is the best part of my job," she said.
The event will see judges from the Family Division finalizing adoptions for children from diverse backgrounds. These may include children from the foster care system, step-parent adoptions, or adult adoptions.
The court brings together family members—parents, grandparents, siblings—and often, the children’s stories of love and commitment are deeply moving.
“Adoption Day is an extraordinary day, full of unique stories of love, commitment and hope,” said Gardner. “It's a celebration of families coming together from all walks of life.”
One special tradition that has become a hallmark of Adoption Day is the gifting of stuffed animals to the adopted children.
Judge Gardner said many children hold onto these stuffed animals for years, some even keeping them into adulthood.
"I’ve heard from adults whose adoptions I oversaw, saying the stuffed animal is a cherished part of their story," she said.
Although Adoption Day is set for Dec. 5, the court is accepting stuffed animal donations through the holiday season.
“We’re hoping that people will consider adding a stuffed animal to their Thanksgiving or Christmas shopping lists this year,” Gardner said. “These donations are a simple but meaningful way to help children in our community.”
You can drop off your donation at any of the following locations:
- Kent County Administrator’s Office – 300 Monroe Avenue NW, 3rd Floor, Grand Rapids
- Kent County Community Action – 121 M.L.K. Jr St SE #110, Grand Rapids
- Kent County Health Department – 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids
- Kent County Health Department, South Clinic -– 4700 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood
- Kent County North Campus – 4191 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs
- Kent County Sheriff''s Office – 701 Ball Avenue NE, Administration Building Main Lobby, Grand Rapids
- Kent County 17th Circuit Court – 180 Ottawa Ave NW, 1st and 3rd Floor, Grand Rapids
- Kent County 63rd District Court – 1950 E Beltline Ave NE, Window Counter in the Main Lobby, Grand Rapids
The goal is to collect 250 new stuffed animals or plush toys to mark this year’s event.
Gifts will be distributed to children on Adoption Day and throughout the year, celebrating adoptions and providing comfort to children as they join their new families.