“Families don’t have to match.” A phrase you see often in the adoption world. These words made an impression on Emily Woerner-Herring of Elberta, who is currently working towards adoption with her husband, Patrick. They have two children, a boy of four and a girl of 19 months, and they’re looking to grow their family.

“We found out after I had my daughter that I couldn’t have more children, and I always wanted a larger family,” said Woerner-Herring. “When Patrick and I were dating, we talked about having a big house full of kids, and when we were told we couldn’t have more, we knew that didn’t mean we couldn’t continue to grow our family. We could give love to children who don’t share DNA with us.”

The family began their journey towards adopting. Back in October, Woerner-Herring had an idea to sell Halloween cookie decorating kits for families who were uncertain about going trick-or-treating at this time. She felt it would give those families a fun alternative that they could do together. The funds from the sales went towards the family’s adoption. Woerner-Herring didn’t expect the overwhelming results. The kits were such a success, she began thinking of doing a second fundraiser for December.

“I began thinking how in the adoption world there’s a saying I’ve seen, ‘families don’t have to match,’ and I love that because so often, not even just in the adoption world, that crosses all borders,” said Woerner-Herring. “That’s all families. We don’t have to match, we don’t have to have a perfect idea of what a family is … Family can be anything, and we wanted to include everybody at the table.”

While talking to her mom, she pitched the idea of doing cookie kits that included sugar cookies as well as gingerbread. People could have the option to do all sugar cookies, all gingerbread, or a mix of both. It would not only share her family’s journey of adoption, but also be inclusive to all families, she said. As before, the proceeds went towards the family’s domestic adoption.

“We got a good response,” Woerner-Herring said. “Everyone was really sweet. We have lots of families in our lives who are multiracial and not the traditional idea behind a family, so we offered that and almost everybody wanted a mixed kit. I had so many who reached out to me to thank us, people who had multiracial children or grandchildren who were so happy to be able to represent their families.”

While Woerner-Herring isn’t sure if or when more fundraisers such as the cookie decorating kit will take place, you can follow the family’s journey to adoption at https://www.facebook.com/herringfamilyadoption/. If future fundraiser events take place, the information will be posted on Facebook.

“I think everyone can agree that family isn’t just who you’re related to or who you live in a home with, it’s a mix of blood relatives and those who you have the privilege of doing life with,” said Woerner-Herring. “It’s the people who become your family, and that’s beautiful. That was our main thought, the heart behind doing these kits. Family can be anyone who you choose, not just the people who live behind four walls with you.”