Marlene

When people ask me why my family and I give to Children’s Home Society & Family Services, the answer is quite simple.  “Well, it's where I came from years ago.”

I was adopted through CHSFS by William and Virginia Hager in the late 1930s. Their eldest son, William, was also adopted, and they had a birth son named George. They were ready to welcome another child into their home.

My mother was a volunteer at CHSFS even before she and my father decided to adopt. When they considered adopting a second child, the director of the orphanage steered them toward me, thinking I would be a wonderful addition to the Hager family. My mother agreed.

Mother brought my father to the orphanage to meet this baby girl and hopefully get the adoption process underway. Magic happened when he walked through the nursery, not knowing which child they were adopting. When he passed by my crib, I stood up held my arms out to him. He knew right then that I was to be their baby. And I completed their family.

My mother continued her involvement with CHSFS throughout my childhood. In fact, I remember visiting the orphanage with mother and my brothers to deliver clothing, fruit and gifts for the children at Christmas. To this day I support the work of CHSFS because I know that CHSFS helps children, just like me, find their forever families.

– Marlene, a CHSFS donor and adopted person