KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Kent County 17th Circuit Court announced it's accepting donations of new stuffed animals and plush toys for its 28th Annual Adoption Day event and year-round adoption support.
On Dec. 5, the court will celebrate finding children their forever homes and raising awareness about foster care and adoption.
According to the court, there are more than 10,000 children currently in Michigan's foster care system, with 2,100 who may be waiting for a forever home at any given time.
In Kent County, the court said family court judges preside over more than 200 adoptions each year.
This year, Kent County is accepting stuffed animal donations to give to adopted children as they join their new families.
The stuffed animals will be available for children of all ages, including teens, to choose once their adoption is finalized.
"Adoption Day is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness, dispel myths band celebrate the more than 200 adoptions our judges oversee each year," said Holly Hernandez, Kent County adoption case worker. "We encourage the community to donate stuffed animals or plush toys to provide these children a warm welcome as they join their new families."
The goal is to collect 250 new stuffed animals or plush toys. They'll be given to children on Adoption Day and throughout the year.
Donations can be dropped off through Dec. 6 from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the designated county locations listed below:
- 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 county offices will be closed on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and on Nov. 28-29 for Thanksgiving.
