KIDSAVE Adoption Event Sunday at Jean's Toys and Treats

The plea on the KIDSAVE website reads:

On Sunday, July 3rd the 2011 Summer Miracles children arrived in five cities throughout the US. The children are older orphans who have little or no chance of finding adoptive families in their own countries simply because of their age. They have less than one month to find a forever family. Can you help? 

In Montclair, there is a couple trying to do just that. 

This month Rachael Egan and her husband are hosting a 13-year-old Colombian girl named Liz.  By opening their home to Liz and helping to sponsor Kidsave events this month, they hope the children will be able to find adoptive families. 

Last weekend, the First Congregational Church of Montclair threw a Colombian Garden Party to introduce Liz and several other orphans who are also seeking families.  Then there was the bus trip to the Colombian consulate in New York.  And this Sunday, July 24, from 10 am to 1pm, there will be a block party at Jean’s Toys and Treats on Willow Street.  The party will feature arts and crafts like jewelry making, hand-knitting, painting and games, as well as live music.  All events are sponsored by Kidsave International. http://www.kidsave.org/ 

“Most children don’t get adopted after the age of six,” Egan explained.  “But because of [Kidsave events like the picnic and the block party], 85% of children are adopted nationwide in the US.” 

At last week’s picnic (featured here in the photo gallery) the popular Montclair band Parents Who Rock played Colombian music, to the delight of the participants.  “It was a lovely party with pretty tents, bunting, and balloons, lively Latin music, sun steaming through the trees [and] delicious Colombian food,” says Egan about the picnic, adding that “those charming guys, Matt Mazor and Mike Lee from the Geyer Family YMCA” were on hand to help. 

“I think this is an urgent global emergency,” she commented, referring to the children’s plight.  “There are so many children who will die because they don’t have parents in their countries.  It’s a horrific life for children who age out of orphanages.” 

Egan and husband Mark are currently hosting Liz, 13, who lives in an orphanage in Colombia.  They said she is adjusting wonderfully to American life. 

“Liz is doing really well in our home. She throws herself into everything she does with enthusiasm, and a great sense of humor.  We have a rock star in the making. She is really adorable,” said Egan.

“If people want to learn how they can help older orphans, or how to meet the kids over the next few weeks they can please visit  http://www.kidsave.org/  We have several more exciting events planned!” 

The public is invited to the Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats block party to find out more about adoptable children, Kidsave – or just to have a great time. There will be games, rides, food and a live concert by Charles Hope.  Proceeds go to benefit the Kidsave Summer Miracles Program, which gives orphans ages 8-13 the chance to meet potential adoptive families.

Pricing: $5 suggested donation, 10am to 1pm