In 2002, Georgia Cancer Specialists learned about the plight of Georgia’s foster children from the story of one of its employees whose foster child arrived with all of his personal possessions stuffed in a garbage bag. His few clothes, toys, toothbrush, were just thrown in together, and a couple of his toys were even broken. As a mother, she wondered what kind of message that sent the child about his importance. This emphasized how de-valued and disposable the child felt. Her telling of this story, and the desire of many of the staff to participate in a community service project in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, was the start of Totes 2 Tots, which is now Totes to Tots Inc.
Totes to Tots captured the spirit by being committed to helping others in an effort to giving back. Since that time, we have successfully collected and distributed more than 71,000 bags and suitcases along with other essential items to more than 10,000 foster children throughout Georgia. We receive grateful letters and calls from the Department of Human Services offices every year telling stories about being able to allow a child traumatized by a move to pick out their own bag and other needed essential items in which they can keep their own belongings, and what a sense of pride that gives them.
