Kent County court asks for stuffed animal donations [Video]

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, …