Paulding Participates in 'Totes 2 Tots Suitcase Drive'

The 12th annual Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive, sponsored by Georgia Cancer 
Specialists (GCS) and Northside Hospital, will take place Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Twenty-seven GCS offices across Georgia – including a Hiram location and 19 in Metro Atlanta – will participate in the drive, which delivers new or nearly new backpacks and kid-sized suitcases to foster children in Georgia.

Approximately 7,500 children, from infants to teenagers, are currently in the 
foster care system in Georgia. Many of these children shuffle 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 33,000 bags.

Originally held on Martin Luther King Day as a way to honor Dr. King’s vision and give back to the community, the event is now held on the preceding Friday, to kick-off the weekend of service.

"As the physicians and staff of Georgia Cancer Specialists, we look forward to honoring Dr Martin Luther King's memory for the 12th consecutive year,” said Dr. Cheryl Jones, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer, GCS.
“This is the major community service project for GCS and it demonstrates our commitment to the foster children and to their future success in their communities.”

GCS partners with Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children’s Services to distribute the bags in the counties in which they’re collected. DHS Commissioner Keith Horton praised those who support the Totes 2 Tots program, which helps to bring a measure of comfort and respect to Georgia's foster children.

"It may seem insignificant to the rest of us, but for a child whose life is upended, these generous gifts offer some sense of stability in the transition to another home," said Horton. "The Totes 2 Tots program is not just another drive for a material need; it is a program that seeks to provide our state's foster children with a sense of dignity and respect during a difficult time in their lives."

For the 9th year, Totes 2 Tots also 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. Cox Radio isproviding additional promotional support.

To participate in Totes 2 Tots, simply drop off a new or nearly new bag on
Friday, Jan. 17, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the nearest Georgia Cancer
Specialists office.

In Paulding County that location is 159 Enterprise Path, Suite 503, Hiram, 770-443-6019.

For a list of participating locations, visit www.gacancer.com or facebook.com/Totes2Tots, or call 1-877-716-CARE (2273).

Financial donations may be made securely online at give.northside.com/
totes2tots.