Foster Kids Find Forever Families In Emotional Adoption Day Ceremony In Paterson

PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Thousands of foster children are being adopted all across the country as part of National Adoption Day, which is Saturday.

At the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson, about 22 youths in foster care were adopted during an event Friday.

Last year, after Randolph and Melanie McCoy's four adult children left home, they decided to adopt three young children.

This year, they adopted three more.

"When I come home during the day and they all want to hug me, 'Daddy! You're home!' That's what keeps me going." Randolph McCoy told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck. "I could have the worst day possible, but when I get home and they all run to hug me, that means a lot."

"We are so excited," Melanie McCoy said. "We wanted to make a difference, a long-lasting difference. We decided not to foster, but to adopt. We wanted to change the lives of as many kids as we can. The maximum we can do right now is six."

Their new 12-year-old daughter is happy to be part of the family.

"I just want to say thank you for taking care of us," she said.

It was a very emotional day for Wanda Pardo, who adopted two children, ages 5 and 6.

"The best feeling in the world to wake up and have kids call you 'mommy,'" Pardo said. "A lot of work, a lot of responsibility but I won't change it. I won't change it for the world."