'Why not me?' gallery aims to place children

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) launched a new adoption campaign called "Why Not Me?" according to Shari Pulliam, public relations officer for DFPS.

"Texas needs foster and adoptive parents for children of all ages," Pulliam says. "Some of these children have special medical, physical or emotional needs."

There are almost 100 children in Texas Region 5, which includes Jasper, Newton and Tyler counties.

Most adoptions are free to the adopting families, Pulliam said. They especially need families who know

American Sign Language for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Pulliam said she will try to find a place to schedule a Jasper showing of the Heart Gallery in January. It is a collection of portraits of children available for adoption. She needs space to put up 50 easels. For more information, call Pulliam at 409 951- 3351.

In the meanwhile, prospective parents can view a photo and brief description online at www.adoptchildren.org. The motto of the new campaign is, "No child waiting adoption should have to ask the question, Why not me?"