Angel Tree

The very first time we saw Kellin's picture and profile, it was on the Reece's Rainbow website. Reece's Rainbow is an advocacy and fundraising website that lists profiles of waiting children around the world, provides a way for adopting families to fundraise, and hosts a number of events designed to increase awareness of and funds for these waiting children.

One of their biggest fundraisers each year is Angel Tree. Reece's Rainbow selects some of their waiting children to be listed on the year's Angel Tree. They ask that "Christmas Warriors" choose a child to commit to advocating and fundraising for during the months of November and December. The goal is to raise $1000 for each of these children; however, this is only a goal and any amount of money raised is welcomed. You do not have to commit any of your own money - you just have to be willing to spread the word about your Angel Tree child, host fundraisers, ask for donations, sell something and donate the profits, etc.

There are many families out there who want to adopt. Many of them say that their biggest hesitation is financial - finding the $30,000+ needed to bring just one of these precious children home. Children with larger adoption grants are more likely to be chosen. It is heartbreaking that money can be the biggest obstacle keeping a child from being brought home to join a loving family. A lack of money can keep a child in an institution.

Two years ago, our family chose a sweet baby named "Olen," who was just about six months old at the time, as our Angel Tree child. We asked for donations instead of Christmas gifts. Rabbit made Christmas ornaments and sold them. Relatives donated certain profits from their businesses. We raised well over $1000 for Olen!

Last year, we were nearing the end of our own adoption process for Kellin, so we chose not to be Christmas Warriors. But this year, we are jumping back in! Sign-ups for Angel Tree opened two days ago, and Rabbit and I looked through the children and chose a child to advocate for this year. A specific announcement about who that child is will be coming up in another blog post.

I write all of this to encourage you to consider choosing an Angel Tree child. There are still many more children waiting for Christmas Warriors. All it takes is the willingness to spread the word. You will find yourself a part of something awe-inspiring! Without Reece's Rainbow, we may not have found Kellin, so we believe strongly in advocacy for these waiting children. Go check out this link to see all the children who need Christmas Warriors http://reecesrainbow.org/christmaswarriorprogram. PLEASE consider signing up!