By Town Crier Staff

The focus: one child at a time. The problem: the endless stream of children who need just such a focus.

Nine years ago, a Los Altos couple, Mark and Joann Morris, responded to the needs of one group of children by organizing Help One Child. Its purpose was to recruit, train and support married couples and single adults to provide foster care and adoption of children “left behind” in the family and childrens’ shelters in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Help One Child is one of nine organizations supported by the annual Town Crier Holiday Fund.

According to the Morrises, today 80 families are in the network with 180 children who now have a home either through foster care or adoption. Most of these families have been recruited through church presentations. Over 50 churches from Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Jose to St. Andrews Episcopal in Saratoga to Prince of Peace Lutheran in San Bruno are currently involved.

Help One Child with offices at 858 University Ave., Los Altos, sponsors workshops on parenting techniques for foster and adoptive parents as well as picnics, parties and “attachment” camps for the foster children.

To reach this non-profit organization, call 917-1210 or visit www.helponechild.org on the internet.

To contribute to the Town Crier Holiday Fund mail your check to Town Crier Holiday Fund, 138 Main St., Los Altos CA 94022. Or to contribute by credit card call Avinell, 650-948-9000.