Michelle Canaday, director of the 15th Circuit Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program, accepted a generous donation of hundreds of books and bears from the Palm Beach County’s Bar Association’s Lawyers for Literacy Committee to distribute at National Adoption Day on Friday, Nov. 18.
The Guardian ad Litem program’s mission is to advocate in court for the best interests of children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. This is the fourth year of the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Book and Bear Drive, sponsored by the Lawyers for Literacy Committee with Andrew Kwan as its chair. And because of this continued generosity, books and a teddy bear are often given out to children during their first dependency court hearing.
“The two favorite things in my life are Adoption Day and reading,” said Judith Migdal-Mack, a member of the Lawyers for Literacy committee. “Adoption Day celebrates the new beginning of a forever family, and for me to be involved is a joy. To add to that joy, by providing a new cuddly bear and book to commemorate the day is just the cherry on top. I am proud to be a member of National Adoption Day Committee of Palm Beach County and the Lawyers for Literacy of the Palm Beach Bar.”
Here in Palm Beach County, there are 25 children that will be adopted into their forever families during this year’s event. This event is open to the public and celebrates the joy that adoption brings to both the children and their new families.
Participants will enjoy a fun day filled with face painting, magic shows, balloon animals and lunch.
To learn more about the 15th Circuit’s Guardian ad Litem program, or to become a volunteer, visit www.galpbc.org or call (561) 355-6224.
ABOVE: Members of the Palm Beach County’s Bar Association’s Lawyers for Literacy Committee with donated books and bears.
