For some, it’s just another day in November.

But for others, it’s one of the most important days of their lives, a moment they’ll treasure and think back upon with tears welling up in their eyes. For parents, it’s a day when their families become complete; for children, it’s a day when they finally become part of a loving family.

It’s November 22, National Adoption Day.

Founded in 2000 by a coalition of national partners, National Adoption Day has helped about 50,000 children move from foster care to a forever family.

According to the National Adoption Day Coalition, the number of events grew from 17 in 2001, to 120 in 2003 and to about 400 events in 2011 in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.

The goals of the day include finalizing adoptions in all 50 states, raising awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting for loving homes and encouraging others to adopt.

In 2013, nearly 4,500 children were adopted throughout the U.S., according to the National Adoption Day Coalition.

This year, they expect another 4,500 children in foster care to be adopted.

During the 2013 National Adoption Day, New Jersey saw many foster children adopted into forever homes, including 15 kids in Hudson County, 16 in Passaic County, 12 in Morris/Sussex counties and 25 in Monmouth County.

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story of a day that really is a dream come true for some parents and children.

“Every child needs and deserves a permanent, loving family,” said Janis Spire, CEO of the Alliance for Children’s Rights, a member of the National Adoption Day Coalition, in a release. “On this one special day, we are honoring all the families who have made this dream come true for thousands of children in foster care.”

To learn more about National Adoption Day, click here.