by KYW's David Madden
November 20th is National Adoption Day, and this year in Burlington County, NJ, they marked the occasion by honoring 17 families who are newly approved for their lifelong commitments in the name of love.
On Friday, Judge John Hall Jr. (right) presided over 17 adoptions prior to a noontime lunch in their honor.
For Steve and Donna Morocco (in top photo), it took a year and a half, but now they have added a son, Matthew, to their family. He joins the couple’s biological daughter, Morgan, in their Burlington Township home.
Donna Morocco feels the process -- albeit lengthy and at times difficult -- was worth it in the end:
"Even though there are many children overseas, there are many more in our country that need a loving home. And we felt that we would be a good place for a child."
Matthew took the proceedings in stride -- the only thing he wanted to do was take an elevator ride.
But the ongoing need for caring families is great. At any one time, upwards of 400 children in Burlington County are in need of some sort of help. And when biological families can’t be kept together, there’s always a need for foster or adoptive parents to step up.
If you are interested, go to www.njadopt.org or www.njfoster.org for more information.
(Photos by KYW's David Madden)
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