'We believe every child deserves joy and love' - Adopted brothers make festive donation to Wolverhampton children

The boys, aged eight and five, who are both adopted via Adoption@Heart, the adoption agency for the Black Country, came up with the idea after hearing about how many children would normally go without presents over the festive period.

The family - who also donated to the children of Wolverhampton last year - were once again touched by the generosity of their boys and got in touch with their social worker at Adoption@Heart to see how they could coordinate the donation.

And to make the generous gesture even sweeter, on speaking to their friends about the children’s offer three other families also decided to get involved, providing presents for children across Wolverhampton.

The children said: “We are lucky as we have so many toys, and we want to make other children smile too, especially at Christmas.”

The boy’s mother said: “We believe every child deserves joy and love, no matter their circumstances. These toys are donated to bring smiles to the faces of less fortunate children, spreading hope and kindness to those who need it most.”

“As adoptive parents, we feel incredibly blessed to share smiles and joy with our sons every day. Each year, alongside other school parents, we honour the memory of our sons’ dear friend who passed away in 2021 by giving back in this meaningful way.

“Equally, we all wanted to install these values with our boys. To be grateful for what they have, to be charitable, to look after those more in need and to share.”

The gifts have been donated to Graiseley Family Hub for distribution to children in need in Wolverhampton this Christmas. The Hub provides support and activities for families with children 0-18 years, including support such as parenting, housing, benefits, training and employment.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: “I am touched by this simple act of kindness which will make all the difference to our children in need, not just because of the gifts themselves, but because of the selfless nature of the young people and families who are donating gifts.

“I would like to take this opportunity to send them a heartfelt thank you from all at our Family Hubs.”

The family decided to start their adoption journey 10 years ago after being unable to have children.

The boy’s mother said: “The adoption process was smooth, and we never really had any issues.

“We adopted our eldest when he was eight months old, and never planned on having a second child. However, as he got older, we could see when we took him out, he would be playing on his own.

“We then decided on a sibling for him, and his brother joined our family when he was seven months old.

“They together are so close, and absolutely love each other to bits. It’s the best thing we ever did, giving us our perfect family.”

Adoption@Heart is the regional adoption agency for the Black Country, providing adoption services for the City of Wolverhampton Council, Walsall Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Children’s Trust.

A spokesperson for Adoption@Heart said: "Lots of people can adopt, whether they are single, living together, married, a same sex couple, in employment or not working, or already have children or not. Potential adopters must legally be a UK resident and have been so for at least 12 months, as well as being aged 21 or over. They should be able to provide a stable home for a child until adulthood and beyond.

"Adoption@Heart is currently holding virtual information events online every fortnight. They are the perfect place for those who are ready to start their adoption journey or would like more information. Details of future events are available at www.adoptionatheart.org.uk. For further information, call 01902 553818 or email info@adoptionatheart.org.uk."