Kevin and LeeAnn Hanks of Mandan believe in inspiration. They said if everyone helped one person, the world could be a better place.

Which is why they soon will be adding one more to their family of five.

About a month ago, they decided to adopt. And after looking around for the perfect area to adopt from, they set their minds on Ethiopia.

"We want to help out another child, and Ethiopia showed the biggest need," said Kevin Hanks. They have chosen to adopt a girl, according to the Hanks.

This adoption is taking place through the International Adoption Net, which is located in Centennial, Colo.

"Each state has different requirements dealing with the adoption process," Aneata O'Brien, Ethiopian Adoption coordinator, said. "The Hanks are going through a HomeStudy, which makes sure the family is suitable for adoption," she added. "The entire adoption process will take from six to 12 months."

This is the second year this particular adoption agency has worked with orphanages in Ethiopia, according to O'Brien. Last year they brought seven Ethiopian orphans to the United States, and this year by September, they will have brought back 17.

The Hanks said they feel proud to be contributing to such a great cause, and not only do they feel it will change the life of their future child, but it will be a new experience for the entire family.

"It's going to be an experience for us by learning about a new culture," Kevin Hanks said.

With three children, LeeAnn Hanks said they hope to make their own kids accepting of other cultures. "Our kids are excited about a baby," Kevin Hanks said as he lifted up his oldest girl, Brooklyn. And when Brooklyn, 4, was asked how she felt about having a new baby sister, she responded by saying, "I'm going to be a big sister for her."

The Hanks' other kids include, Cooper, 1, and Owen, 2.

Cooper and Owen didn't give a response when asked how they felt about a new sister, but their father said, "When you get the kids talking about it, they are thrilled."

As they wait for the final details on their adoption, the Hanks are preparing themselves for a trip to Ethiopia. They will be having two garage sales, Saturday and Sept. 5-6, to raise money for the orphanage in Ethiopia.

"This particular orphanage is primarily funded by donations from families who are adopting children there," LeeAnn Hanks said.

As O'Brien said, the orphanages they work with are small and private. "Many agencies work with each orphanage," she said. "They also are funded by the adoption agencies and sponsorships from families."

Right now, O'Brien said Ethiopia is a popular country to adopt a child from. "The adoption process is relatively smooth in Ethiopia compared to other countries," she said. She also added that Ethiopia carries an appeal that isn't found in different countries. "A fascinating thing about Ethiopia is that the children are very healthy."

There are many ways people can help, LeeAnn Hanks said, either by donating "orphanage wish items," which will go directly to the orphanage, or garage sale items, which will be sold at the garage sales.

"We want to help someone so we can show it's possible," LeeAnn Hanks said with a warm smile.

For donations to the Hanks family or their garage sales, contact LeeAnn Hanks at 701-250-2816, or lhanks04@hotmail.com.