Totes 2 Tots Campaign Provides Backpacks, Suitcases to Foster Kids

By Kristal Dixon

DeKalb County families can take part in the 13th annual Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive when Georgia Cancer Specialists and Northside Hospital collect backpacks and kid-sized suitcases for foster children in Georgia.

About 8,500 children, from infants to teenagers, are in the foster care system in Georgia. Many of these children shuttle their belongings in garbage bags when they are removed from their homes. Since Totes 2 Tots was first launched in 2003, the annual volunteer event has collected and distributed more than 37,000 bags.

The event was originally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a way to honor King’s vision of philanthropy and give back to the community. The event is now held on the preceding Friday, to kick off a weekend of service in King’s honor.

Donations of new or nearly new backpacks and suitcases will be accepted at 27 GCS offices across Georgia – including 19 in metro Atlanta – on Friday, Jan. 16, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents in DeKalb County can visit the Georgia Cancer Specialists’ offices at 2712 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur or 2745 Dekalb Medical Parkway, No. 110, in Lithonia.

“As the physicians and staff of Georgia Cancer Specialists, we look forward to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s memory for the 13th consecutive year,” said Dr. Cheryl Jones, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer at Georgia Cancer Specialists. “Through this project, we have demonstrated our commitment to support the foster children of Georgia in achieving successful futures in the community.”

Georgia Cancer Specialists partners with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services to distribute the bags in the counties in which they’re collected. Bobby Cagle, interim director of DFCS, praised those who support the program, which helps to bring a measure of comfort and respect to Georgia’s foster children.

“There are some children in our state who, unfortunately, have few constants in their lives,” said Cagle. “The Totes 2 Tots program, by providing a piece of luggage to those children whose lives have been upended, offers a sense of stability in a time of uncertainty.”

For the 10th year, Totes 2 Tots is receiving media support from WSB-TV’s Family 2 Family Project. Family 2 Family is the longest-running locally produced, comprehensive, station-wide public service effort in Georgia. Transportation services are being provided by Courier Express.

To find a participating location near you, visit Georgia Cancer Specialists’ website, the Totes 2 Tots’ Facebook page or call 1-877-716-CARE (2273).

Financial donations may be made securely online at give.northside.com/totes2tots. All donations are tax deductible.

Photo credit: Northside Hospital