The Eugene City Council honored the work of Holt International Children’s Services Monday by designating the month of October 2006 as Holt International Month.
The Eugene-based international adoption agency was established in 1956 by Harry and Bertha Holt after they adopted eight children from Korea.
Congress also passed the Holt bill, which allowed for a greater number of children to be adopted by Americans.
The agency hosts adopted children from 16 different countries, according to Holt International’s Web site.
Gary Gamer, president and CEO of Holt International, said the agency set up 30,000 children for adoptions last year. He said Holt is now one of the largest international adoption agencies.
Gamer said the agency is hosting an international conference Oct. 18-21, at which individuals from around the world will gather to discuss the best practices for adoptions.
“Today, Holt International faces global crises greater than when it was started,” Gamer said in reference to the AIDS crisis in Africa and world conflicts creating more orphans.
He said the agency is hosting a gala at the Eugene Hilton on Oct. 21 that is open to the public.