Issue Date: May 10, 2000

U.S. Postal Service and Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Promote Adoption Awareness

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - "Creating a world," "building a home" and "shaping a life" were the themes echoed by many celebrities, postal customers and employees today when the U.S. Postal Service issued a new commemorative stamp celebrating the joys of adoption.

"The Adoption Awareness stamp will serve as a simple thank you to everyone involved in making homes for children and young adults who are less fortunate," said Postmaster General William Henderson. "And it will help raise awareness about how adoption can make a positive difference in the lives of so many."

Postal customers in Beverly HIlls had the opportunity to purchase the new stamp from celebrities participating in the official stamp dedication ceremony, including Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's International, Inc. and The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; TV talk show host Larry King; actors Henry Winkler and Rhea Perlman; recording artist Brian McKnight; and comedian Paula Poundstone.

In addition to Henderson, participating in the ceremony for the Postal Service were Tirso del Junco, M.D., and S. David Fineman, both members of the presidentially appointed Board of Governors; and Deborah Willhite, Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy.

The Adoption Awareness stamp will be available at post offices nationwide beginning May 11.

"I am excited that the Postal Service is issuing a new postage stamp to help raise awareness about adoption," said Dave Thomas. "Wendy's is committed to partnering with the Postal Service in this endeavor, and together we will make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families across America."

With the issuance of the Adoption Awareness stamp, the Postal Service continues its 60-year tradition of raising awareness of social issues. Stamps such as Breast Cancer Research and Organ & Tissue Donation, both issued in 1998, and Prostate Cancer Awareness and Hospice Care, both issued in 1999, have helped stimulate conversation about these serious topics in communities from coast to coast. These activities go hand in hand with the Postal Service's role as a community leader.

There are three basic approaches to adoption within the U.S.: children can be adopted through public child welfare agencies, through private adoption agencies and, depending on the state, by independent adoption. Regardless of the adoption method, children benefit from the support, guidance and understanding of the people who care enough to offer them unconditional love, a home and a family. Each year, more than 110,000 infants and older children are available for adoption in the U.S.

Illustrated by Greg Berger of Bethesda, Md., the stamp combines colorful art with text. Berger, who was adopted himself, provides his personal interpretation of this issue.

Recalling memories of his own childhood, Berger used fundamental shapes, simple forms and bright colors to create a happy, hopeful image. This graphic design attempts to convey a visual balance between reality and the fantasy of what might be. It also shows that childhood is a delicate and influential part of life.