Jamie and Angelo Marino of Springfield Township want a big family. They have four boys and are now looking to adopt.
‘The nursery is ready and we can’t wait to have a baby in our home again,? Jamie said.
‘We love children,? said Angelo, who’s great grandmother had 21 children, three of whom were adopted.
They can pay for almost half the cost of adoption, which can run into the tens of thousands. For the rest, they applied for loans and grants, and organize fund raisers such as a yard sale next week.
‘It’s very expensive,? she said. ‘However, we believe that the chance to nurture and love a child that needs a family, far outweighs the financial costs.?
The sale is Sept. 8-10, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at their home, 5411 Farley Road.
The sale will include electronics, antique chairs tables, and other furniture, clothes for children and adults, sports equipment, tools, collectibles, and other items.
‘The whole garage is filled with so much stuff,? Jamie said. ‘People keep giving donations, we’re blessed.?
‘We haven’t been able to park there for the last two months,? Angelo said. ‘Neighbors have been very gracious.?
They will probably have another yard sale in the spring.
‘Whatever we don’t sell will be donated to Grace Center of Hope,? Angelo said. ‘It’s an awesome organization. They help needy families get on their feet. Anything donated will be utilized for good.?
The Marinos have been married for more than 10 years. Angelo, who is from Philadelphia, and Jamie, a Clarkston native, met in New York City, where Angelo had a restaurant.
They moved to Michigan six years ago to be closer to family and for a lower cost of living.
‘Michigan is more affordable,? Angelo said.
Their four sons, Angelo, 9, Luca, 7, Mateo, 5, and Marco, 3, look forward to getting a new brother or sister.
?”Luca’s very good with little ones,? Jamie said. ‘This is good for the children to see, and we can show our child one day, look at all this work we did for you.?
They are working with Bethany Christian Services in Madison Heights, Mich.
With orientation, classes, home study, and paperwork complete, they are now considered a ‘waiting family.?
‘They’re great, very supportive,? Jamie said.
Bethany offers international adoptions, but the Marinos are looking local.
‘There are babies in America, in Detroit and locally, who need good home and families too,? she said.
More than 20 families donated items for the yard sale, Jamie said.
‘We’ve also had a nice response from our church (Oak Brook Bible Church) and family, they’ve been wonderful,? Angelo said. ‘There’s a lot of help out there. This is a great community.?
Longhorn Steakhouse, where Angelo works as manager, also helps, he said.
‘I’m fortunate to be with Longhorn Steakhouse. It’s a great company,? he said.
For more information, call 248-719-0064.