Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) collected over 1,000 backpacks and suitcases during its third annual Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive to benefit Georgia’s foster children. The event was held on Martin Luther King, Junior Day, January 17, at 15 locations throughout the state. The bags will be distributed to local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) offices.
In three years, 4,300 bags have been collected and distributed to Georgia’s foster children. These children often do not have bags to move their school supplies or personal belongings.
Dr. Bruce Feinberg, President/CEO of GCS, said he was pleased with the response from the community.
“Even if we only collected one bag on this day, I would consider the event a success, because that would be one less child who had to use a garbage bag as a suitcase,” he said. “To collect 1,000 brand new bags is remarkable.”
WSB-TV, the largest TV station in Atlanta, recognized the importance of the drive and agreed to support it as a part of its Family 2 Family Project. Family 2 Family is the longest running locally produced, comprehensive, station-wide public service effort in Georgia. It includes shows such as People 2 People, a weekly half-hour public affairs program that chronicles events and newsmakers in metro Atlanta.
Although MLK, Jr. Day is a day off for the practice, many employees volunteered their time in an effort to help out local foster children, give back to the community, and honor Dr. King.
The volunteer event was launched by GCS in 2002 to help foster children ease the pain of their frequent and forced relocations. Foster children often have to move their belongings in trash bags. “It’s difficult enough to constantly be moving,” said Dr. Feinberg. “Hopefully, giving them something brand new that they have ownership of will make their lives better until they reach their ultimate goal of finding a permanent home.”
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