More than 200 families who adopted children in 2014 through Eckerd Community Alternatives gathered Saturday at the agency's annual Adoptive Family Reunion Picnic in Pasco County.

They are families with big hearts, and over the years, they have opened their homes to children that needed a place to live.

"We feel like if you can give a child a forever family, they can strive to be what they can be in life," said John Dieffenbacher, an adoptive parent.

Dieffenbacher and his wife have three adopted children and plan to adopt more.

"We love children," Dieffenbacher said.

Saturday's event took place at Old McMicky's Farm and was done in partnership with the Junior League of Tampa. The event is designed to bring adoptive families together for the first time and help them share resources.

"In Hillsborough County on a monthly basis, about 110 children are removed from their families," said Kathleen Cowen, executive director of Eckerd Community Alternatives.

The event featured activities such as cow milking, horse riding, hayrides, a petting farm and a picnic lunch.