More than 2,300 new suitcases and carrying bags were collected on Martin Luther King Jr. Day during “Totes for Tots,” a volunteer event launched by Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) to benefit area foster children.
“It was a great day for our practice, the participating communities, and the foster children,” said GCS CEO Dr. Bruce Feinberg. “The efforts of our employees and all those who donated their totes will have a lasting effect on the kids who will receive them.”
Fifty-five GCS workers at 12 offices in Atlanta and Macon volunteered to collect suitcases on MLK Day, a holiday for the practice.
“Our staff was very generous with their time,” said Dr. Feinberg. “They truly understand that this holiday is not designed as a day off, but a day to direct our efforts toward the community.”
This year’s total of 2,300 bags more than doubled the amount collected in 2003, the inaugural year of the event.
GCS organized the suitcase drive to help foster children ease the pain of their frequent and forced relocations. “We know of children in foster care who have had to carry their clothes and schoolbooks in garbage bags,” said Dr. Feinberg. “With the simple gift of a nice tote bag or suitcase, we hope to, in some small way, brighten the lives of children who endure the potential trauma of foster care.”
Monetary donations, coats, diaper bags, and teddy bears were also collected.
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