SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES “ANGELS IN ADOPTION” RECIPIENTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Collins nominated Shawn and Rita Yardley of Bangor to receive the 2004 Congressional Angel in Adoption award for their work on behalf of child welfare and adoption. The Yardleys, who have four biological children, opened their home to Kiana (8), Kira (6), and Tessa (5) who they adopted in January.

"I believe that Shawn and Rita truly exemplify the spirit of this award through the selflessness with which they share their time and energy with family, friends and their community," Senator Collins said. "It gives me great pleasure to provide such well-deserved recognition to this exceptional couple."

There are currently more than 535,000 children in foster care in the United States and an estimated 50 million orphans worldwide. The purpose of the Congressional Angels in Adoption Program is to raise public awareness of the many different ways that committed individuals can help children and families through adoption and foster care.

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