Virtual Adoption Reaches Across the World

Feb. 13, 2007 — -- You may not be ready to adopt a child from a Third World country like Angelina or Madonna, but a new organization can connect you to such an orphan, at least through the Internet.

Thanks to the growing use of Internet video conferencing technology, a U.S.-based charity is connecting families with orphans on opposite sides of the planet.

It's the brainchild of parent Amy Stokes from New York, who got the idea after adopting her son Calder -- now 4 years old -- from an orphanage or "group home" in South Africa. Ever since, Stokes has donated her time to orphaned children.

The AIDS pandemic in Africa has left more than 12 million children without parents. According to a report released in 2004 by UNICEF and other U.N. agencies, by the year 2010 there will be 50 million orphaned children in sub-Saharan Africa, although not all will be orphaned as a result of AIDS. Stokes says, whatever the cause may be, these children are severely lacking adult attention and guidance.

"The tangible lack of adults in the lives of these children was just palpable," Stokes says.

So two years ago, Stokes, 40, started Infinite Family, a charity that combines financial sponsorship with a requirement for each donor to spend one hour a week online talking with an orphaned "net buddy."

"It is the visual and emotional bond that comes from talking to people face to face that can be a positive influence in their lives," Stokes says.

Today Infinite Family has grown to over 40 "net families," Stokes says. While the organization is looking to expand, it is currently limited to a few orphanages and schools outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, where Infinite Family supplies the equipment and technology necessary to make the connection happen. Stokes hopes by 2008 the organization will be able to expand throughout South Africa into neighboring countries.

Each sponsor for Infinite Family must submit to a background screening, technological tutorials and cultural seminars before they are ready to log on.

Elizabeth DeVito found out about Infinite Family from friends and now pays $40 a month to be a sponsor. The New York resident finds it a manageable and meaningful way to give her time to charity.