BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Love is not in short supply at the Sharp house. There's even enough left over for the horses and chickens.

But two-year-old Danielle isn't exactly an only child.

"We've fostered 30 children in the last six years," David Sharp says.

David and Helen Sharp say their goal is to provide a soft landing for children torn away from their families. They heard about the need for foster parents in Shelby County several years ago.

And that's all it took before these parents of three boys jumped into action.

"Their parents are not able to take care of them, and they need someone to look after them," David says. "It was just a no-brainer for us, and it's a perfect fit."

Danielle came to the Sharps as a foster child, but her mother wasn't able to take her back and asked Helen and David to adopt Danielle. They did, just two months ago.

This house has become a temporary home for children going through traumatic family experiences. For David and Helen, it's the least they can do.

"When there's not that family to take the children, then they do still get pushed off into institutional care," David says. "We don't call them orphanages anymore, but we call them group homes."

They say providing a loving home, complete with parents, siblings and animals for even a short period of time could change the course of a child's life.

*** David Sharp just received the Casey Excellence for Children Award for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families across America. He recently started a foster parent training program at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Those classes are free and begin March 1st. ***