World Adoption Day is celebrated on November 9, which was initiated by Hank Fortner in 2014. He founded the crowdfunding platform AdoptTogether to unite people in support of creating families for orphans.

The purpose of the holiday is to raise awareness of people around the world about the possibilities of adoption. To do this, its founders propose to launch a program every November 9 in which you need to draw a smiley face on your hand, take a photo and post it on social networks with a special hashtag. All those willing have the opportunity to share their adoption stories, express gratitude to their named parents, and talk about the traditions of the new family. Also, people who want to adopt a child, but do not know where to start, can ask their questions and get answers from more experienced people.

Some children honor the memory of their deceased named parents on this day by lighting candles or expressing thanks.

There are millions of families in the world who, for various reasons, cannot have children and regret it very much. The holiday can be the last straw that will fill the cup of doubt, and people will take a step towards their dream of a full-fledged large family. After all, now more than 150 million children need a family and love.